As spring events start to happen more often in Coastal Delaware, one local nonprofit is getting ready for one of its biggest fundraisers of the year. 

The Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute (MERR) is getting ready for its annual yard sale in Lewes, and people in the area can help out even before the sale starts.

Annual Yard Sale Set for May in Lewes

MERR’s Annual Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 9th, running from 8:30am to 12pm at its facility located at 801 Pilottown Road, right next to the Coast Guard Station in Lewes. 

A rain date has been set for Saturday, May 16th in case some unexpected weather conditions happen to get in the way of this grand good time.

This event has become an anticipated regular thing in the community, not just for people looking for good deals, but also for people who want to help a good cause. 

There will be a lot of different things at the yard sale, so it's a great place to go whether you know what you want to look for or just want to browse around.

People who come can expect to find:

• Things for the home and garden
• A variety of gently used items
• A bake sale with homemade treats
• Refreshments available throughout the morning

It's the kind of event where you can have a relaxing morning, find something useful or one-of-a-kind, and feel good about spending your money on something that will make a difference.

Image courtesy of MERR

Donations Being Accepted 

Before the sale even begins, there is another way for the community to take part. 

MERR is currently accepting donated items for the yard sale through Thursday, May 7th.

This is a simple way to give things you don't need anymore a second life while helping a local charity. 

Donations help expand the variety of items available at the sale and directly contribute to the event’s success.

To coordinate a donation, you can:

• Phone: 302-228-5029 or 302-410-8700
• Email: [email protected]

Image courtesy of MERR

A Major Fundraiser Supporting Marine Life

The yard sale is more than just a seasonal event; it’s one of MERR’s biggest fundraisers and plays a key role in keeping the organization running year-round.

The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute (MERR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles in Delaware. 

It is officially authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Delaware to act as the state’s first responder for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, meaning their team is on call 24/7 to respond to emergencies along the coast.

All of the money raised goes directly to supporting that work. This includes a wide range of essential services, such as:

• Taking care of and feeding rescued animals
• Providing veterinary treatment for injuries and illness
• Transporting animals safely to rehabilitation facilities
• Purchasing specialized equipment and medical supplies

In real situations, that support makes an immediate difference. 

Just recently, MERR responded to an entangled gray seal pup at Cape Henlopen State Park, where their team was able to safely remove debris wrapped around the animal and provide wound care before transferring her for further treatment.

Beyond emergency response, funding also supports critical research efforts. 

MERR participates in necropsies and data collection on stranded animals, helping scientists better understand threats like vessel strikes and entanglement and providing information that can guide long-term conservation strategies.

These efforts require consistent, reliable funding, and events like this yard sale help ensure that MERR can continue responding quickly and effectively whenever marine animals are in need.

Image courtesy of MERR

Education and Outreach Across the Community

In addition to rescue and rehabilitation, education is a central part of MERR’s mission and one of its most impactful long-term contributions.

The organization regularly visits schools and community groups, reaching thousands of people each year with programs focused on the marine mammals and sea turtles that live in Delaware’s coastal waters. 

These sessions are designed to build awareness, explain real-world conservation challenges, and help people understand how their actions can directly impact ocean life.

The goal goes beyond immediate rescue. By teaching students and the broader community about these species and their habitats, MERR is helping to build a stronger sense of responsibility and stewardship for the coastal environment.

That impact carries forward over time. A better-informed community is more likely to report stranded animals, follow guidelines around wildlife encounters, and support conservation efforts that protect these species in the long run.

When people shop at the yard sale, they are not only helping fund rescues happening today, but also supporting the education programs that will help prevent harm and protect marine life in the future.

Image courtesy of MERR

A Simple Way to Help a Good Cause

The MERR yard sale is an example of how small things can make a big difference. 

You don't have to make a big donation or volunteer for a long time to make a difference. Just showing up, looking around, or giving a few things can make a big difference.

With the event coming up and donations already being dropped off, it's time to start thinking about how you want to get involved.

Make sure to follow along for more local events, news, and updates happening across Coastal Delaware!

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