Yard Sale to Benefit Families in Need

Davidson County Compassion Inspiring Action will host a Spring Fling Yard Sale at 802 E Center St, Lexington, on Saturday, March 13 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to the public. Items will include new and gently used clothing, electronics, furniture, patio furniture, art and kitchenware. [Photo/Antionette Kerr. Davidson Local]

When Michael Carr suffered a series of 15 strokes last year, his wife Ruth had no idea that hospital bills would drain every dime of their savings. The local mechanic owned B&M Tires and Auto in Winston-Salem for 20-plus years prior to successfully selling the business before the two fell on hard times.

Ruth said, “He sold it [B&M] right before he had a stroke. We were set before the stroke. Little did we know we would be totally wiped out.”

From the gifting of a wheelchair ramp to a hospital bed, the couple is just one example of the thousands helped by Davidson County Compassion Inspiring Action (CIA). The group will host a free Spring Fling Yard Sale at 802 E Center St, Lexington, on Saturday, March 13 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to the public. Items will include new and gently used clothing, electronics, furniture, patio furniture, art and kitchenware. Prices are all by donation and all proceeds will support families in need in Davidson County.

CIA founders Jimmy Davis and Robert Miller were bitter rivals who battled about politics on social media a few years ago. They found common ground when a family on the verge of homelessness helped them to overcome their political differences.

“A lady was losing her house and I made a simple post and everybody was bashing her,” Davis said. He said Miller was the only one to respond with assistance. “We [Davis and Robert Miller] fought all the time, but he responded. We got together and talked about it and helped this lady save her house.”

Their truce has brought forth a commitment to helping others, so Davis and Miller formed a 501(c)(3). Miller, who works fulltime at Carolina Senior Care, serves as CIA’s president. Davis, who owns a Winston-Salem based car rental business, serves as vice president. Both dedicate their time as volunteers. Miller’s employer, the aforementioned Carolina Senior Care, donates space for the storage of furnishings.

With a host of volunteer support from their wives, the duo operates primarily on Facebook, which is where Ruth first learned about the group. She donated jewelry and items in past years for the benefit of others. Davis said, “Ruth is amazing…she's helped us since day one before we ever helped her and we had to almost fight with her to help her.” Both Miller and Davis say this is common within this group.

They credit their “no judgment” zone for attracting those who are in need and those who genuinely want to help. The two men share similar philosophies. “My quote is never look down on anyone unless you are to help him up,” Miller said. Davis chimed in with “Never look down on anyone unless you're stretching out your hands to help them up.”

Through clothing, food, medical and utility payments, there doesn’t seem to be a limit for what CIA is willing to offer those in need. In fact, on April 18, 2019, Miller donated his kidney to his coworker’s wife, a woman he had never met!

Carr describes the group more like a family to her and her husband. “They came in here, they prayed for my husband and I felt connected. They text me all the time and ask me how he [Michael] is doing. If they hadn’t come up with ramp, I wouldn’t have been able to bring my husband home,” she admitted. “I love them and their wives. I sleep in an old hospital bed next to my husband because of what they did. I love everybody involved in the group. I love what they do.”  

The group wishes to remind their neighbors and supporters that the Yard Sale will help CIA reach a of goal of more than 100 families this year. Officers reported that they have already served more than 60 in the first few months of 2021.

“The main purpose for forming CIA was simply this ... to be able to help and bless those who do not have the means to ever repay you,” Miller shared. “God put us on earth to help our fellow man. CIA is the answer to my lifelong dream of being able to help someone regardless of sex, race, political affiliation or social status.”

To learn more about Davidson County Compassion Inspiring Action, visit its Facebook page.

CIA co-founder Robert Miller is collecting items for the Spring Fling Yard Sale. Items are available by donation. All proceeds will benefit Davidson County Families. [Photo/Antionette Kerr]