The Veterans of Foreign War Post 1303 is on the move and looking to shed some pounds

Everything from the popcorn machine to bingo balls will be for sale during a Saturday auction to clean out the VFW building at 3715 9th St., Rock Island.

The VFW has sold the building for $600,000 to the city of Rock Island, and if all goes according to plan, the property will be one of several in the area torn down to make way for a new Walmart Supercenter.

Post commander P.J. Hymes said the building became the VFW's base in December 1993 after the post moved out of downtown Rock Island.Now, the post again is looking for a new home.

"We are looking to downsize a little bit," Mr. Hymes said, adding that after debts are cleared, theVFW will have about $400,000 to shop for a new building.

The post has 357 members, not counting members of the ladies auxiliary, and has had a presence in Rock Island for 78 years, Mr. Hymes said.

"We're still continuing doing what we've always done," he said. "We're still an active, live VFW."

Meetings are being held at the Moose Lodge at 4410 9th St, Rock Island, until the VFW finds a new building. Mr. Hymes said they're looking for a building that's "the perfect fit."

Saturday's auction starts at 10 a.m. People can view items beginning at 8:30 a.m., with bid registration starting at 9 a.m. Items up for auction include kitchen equipment, furniture, office items and miscellaneous equipment.

For more information, call auctioneer Brian Lees at 309-235-4071 or email bidrockauction@yahoo.com