In some instances, it is not a matter of the Friends going out and spending big bucks on something like the lights. Often in the past, itmes such as this were "procured" thru "leveraged" donations or just plain donated unsolicited because the donating party wanted to get rid of the item. You got what was available 'cause it was free. The Friends do not have bottomless pocketbooks and as such only buy what they cannot get donated. There are several members who have well-honed talents for scrounging up "stuff" to fill urgent needs. Surplus equipment has been obtained at less than bargain basement cost by folks going to auctions, checking e-bay listings and just being a pest about such things.
I don't necessarily agree that just because something is cheap or free that it should be used. BUT, that being said, when there is a perceived urgent need, you do what you gotta do.