The economic recession is affecting everyone, especially nonprofits, and the Don Jones Foundation was learning that firsthand.

The foundation, which provides gifts and food for the holidays to Seattle families in need, was forced to cancel its sixth annual garage sale because of low donations and a lack of a yard to host it.

"Unfortunately, many of our donors have been impacted by layoffs and other financial strains, so fundraising is much more difficult," said the Don Jones Foundation's Mollie Overa.

That all changed when Overa responded to a post on an online Ballard community forum from a resident who was complaining of having too much clutter.

“I had mentioned that we were low on donations and our host yard was unavailable," Overa said. "In a few hours, we had received a message that a yard was made available to us, and emails have started coming in with donations. We are so appreciative of the support of our community members.”

The garage sale is one of the Don Jones Foundation's two yearly fundraising events. Without it, they would not be able to offer support to Seattle families, Overa said.

She said she thanks all the awesome Ballard residents for supporting them and getting the garage sale back on track.

The foundation, which also operates in California and New Jersey, was created in honor of Overa's father, Don Jones, and his tradition of providing holiday gifts and food to families in need.

All the proceeds from the sixth annual garage sale will go directly to families in Seattle.

“The families we serve are just wonderful and have been appreciatieve of the work that we do," Overa said. "The Don Jones Foundation has been so lucky to serve so many of these wonderful families here in Seattle.”

The sixth annual Don Jones Foundation Garage Sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 15 at 2624 N.W. 85th St.

The foundation is still in need of donations of sellable items for the garage sale. Email donate@donjonesfoundation.org.