BOISE, Idaho — Some would say there is a fine line between being a collector and being a hoarder. The difference is what you choose to do with the items you gather.
Gary Benoit has been a collector for 20 years, but he's selling all of his goods to benefit charity at the old Salvation Army building on State Street in Boise.
"It's time to clean it out," Benoit said. "We're donating the proceeds to the Children's Home Society for Idaho."
"The mission at the Children's Home Society is to provide mental, emotional, and behavioral healthcare services to the children of our community," Colbi Twiss, the marketing manager for Children's Home Society, said. "Especially those who cannot afford it - we want to be able to provide that for all children."
The Children's Home Society is a non-profit that relies on donations, Benoit wanted to help.
"I enjoyed the process of acquiring everything, and all the time I was doing that I thought I felt a little guilty," he said. "I thought I should be doing more and I should give the proceeds to somebody, and that's how the idea came about."
Benoit is helping in a time of need according to Twiss.
"Idaho is top five in the nation for suicide amongst teenagers and children and we have to change that," she said. "There's many out there that need the treatment and they just don't have the funds or means to get the healthcare they need."
Benoit is giving his whole collection away.
"Any amount helps and it's a worthy cause that deserves the attention of the citizens," he said. "I feel like if we can work on the foundation and establish a good life for a person, they'll become a more productive citizen."
Doors will be open for people to buy Benoit's wares until 4:00 p.m. Saturday through Sunday.