Becky McClarran, who operates an antique shop in Cumberland, Md., drove 615 miles for a chance to drive a lot more.

Oh, and to do some shopping along the way.

“I’ve got a two-page list of items that I might buy,” she said.

Through Sunday, she’ll be able to find tins, tables and tons of other stuff lining U.S. 127 for the 21st Annual World’s Longest Yard Sale, a 654-mile event stretching through five states and offering thousands of possible treasures. The sale’s original purpose was to prove that there are advantages to backroad driving and that the interstate isn’t the only means of transportation, according to a news release.

The yard sale starts just north of West Unity, Ohio, goes south on U.S. 127 to Chattanooga, then veers over to the Lookout Mountain Parkway for the last leg into Gadsden, Ala.

On Signal Mountain, microwaves, sewing machines and sofas were among the items that St. Augustine Catholic Church workers hawked Thursday at the “Hottest Yard Sale in Haiti,” the name church members gave their tent.

The church is raising money for a K-12 school that its members started on the Caribbean island of Haiti. The church has raised about $32,000 at the yard sale for the school in the past two years, church officials said.

The money feeds more than 800 children, pays teachers’ salaries and provides students with one hot meal a day for a year, organizers said.

“What impresses me the most,” said church member and volunteer Al Colonna, “is that we’re generating funds to benefit people.”

Church members donated items, including a sleigh built in the 1930s, bathroom sinks, tires, kitchen appliances and television sets.

Janie Scissom of Gruetli-Laager, Tenn., walked away with an antique picture for $20.

“I think I’ve got one just like it,” she said. “I gave $100 for it at an antique mall.”

Maryland’s Ms. McClarran said she noticed that prices are higher this year than in the past, but she still shops at the St. Augustine’s tent to be a part of the effort to help others.

“I find the prices higher, and it matters,” she said. “But I’m inclined to pay a little more because it’s always nice to support a good cause.”

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