Bermuda may not have a Wal-Mart but when you visit "The Barn", a registered charity on 53 Devon Springs Road, it looks as full as a real Wal-Mart parking lot ? just on a smaller scale! Cars and bikes are lined up along the road.

"The Barn", run by Ann Douglas Ross and the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda, carries a large selection of used merchandise at generally reasonable prices. You can find lots of things such as furniture, luggage, golf clubs, clothes, shoes, hats and coats, books, toys, china and more. Sometimes the items seem like brand new and have not been used.

"At present, the most popular items are our Christmas items and formal dresses. We have winter clothing including coats for men, women and children. The clothes average from one to ten dollars for children and three to $35 for adults," said Ms Ross.

Another popular section is the library filled with all sorts of books which average from fifty cents to five dollars.

"The Bermuda books will be added to our library in the New Year. Previously they were kept for our auction. Children's books, travel, and cook books are in plentiful supply."

Ms Ross was quick to praise the 80 or so volunteers, the heartbeat of the Barn, who donate extensive time and energy. She says that the Barn could do with further assistance and welcomes new volunteers to the flock.

The shopping hours are from nine a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Saturday.

Every time you make a donation or a purchase you are helping Bermuda's hospitals so enjoy shopping for a great cause.