Storrs Congregational-UCC to Hold Virtual Christmas Bazaar

Storrs Congregational Church-UCC is inviting holiday shoppers to do their gift buying from the comfort of their homes this year--and support a good cause at the same time.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the church is transforming its popular Christmas Bazaar into a largely virtual event, with shopping to begin on November 23 and continue through December 5.

All proceeds will benefit the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM) Neighbor Safety Net Fund, which provides help for those facing economic hardship due to the pandemic.

"Our Christmas bazaar has become a much-anticipated holiday tradition in both our congregation and the surrounding community, but it clearly could not happen as usual in 2020," said Pamela Roberts, event coordinator. "This year, we've come up with a safe and meaningful way to spread the holiday joy. With our contribution to WAIM's Safety Net Fund, we hope to help those most in need whose lives have been turned upside down during this pandemic."

The event will feature the sale of unique fair-trade gifts from the nonprofit organization SERRV International, fabric and quilted items from the church's Parish Piecers group and holiday wreaths from Humming Grove Farm, a Christmas tree farm in East Windsor, CT.

ONLINE AUCTION

In a first for the church, the bazaar's auction will be online this year. Among the items available for bid include a hand-pieced lap quilt, holiday collectibles and some small furniture items.

To shop for merchandise online and view the auction items, visit the bazaar web page at: http://www.storrscongchurch.org/2020/11/11/2020-virtual-christmas-bazaar/

PHONE AND IN-PERSON BUYING

In addition to online sales, the annual end-of-year event will also provide opportunities to purchase items by phone and, at specific times, in person. Call Pamela Roberts at 860-428-2406 beginning Nov. 20 for information on making phone purchases.

For those wishing to take advantage of in-person shopping, merchandise will be on display in the church's outdoor courtyard and inside the parish house adjacent to the church on Saturday, November 28 and Saturday, December 5 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Shoppers can make an appointment to browse on other days by calling the SCC office at 860-429-9382 between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

ADVENT WREATH MAKING

In conjunction with the bazaar, the church is inviting the public to visit the courtyard on November 28 from 12 to 4 p.m. to make an advent wreath to take home. Supplies will be available for both traditional and non-traditional wreaths, with plenty of space for social distancing. Advent devotional booklets will be available free of charge. Those unable to attend but wish to pick up wreath-making supplies can contact Director of Faith Formation Lisa Haupt at lisa@storrscongchurch.org.

Social distancing and masks will be required for all in-person activities.

Storrs Congregational Church-UCC is located at 2 North Eagleville Road at the edge of the University of Connecticut campus. The parish house is located directly behind the church.

All are welcome.

ABOUT THE WAIM NEIGHBOR SAFETY NET FUND

WAIM created the Neighbor Safety Net Fund with the goal of providing for basic-needs emergencies not addressed by other funding sources.

It supports those most economically vulnerable in the COVID-19 crisis by distributing relief to area residents who are unable to pay their bills or afford basic expenses because of layoffs, medical expenses, business losses or other COVID-related hardships.

In addition to assisting with the cost of food and housing, it helps with utility payments, medication, special diets, car payments, car insurance, and more. U.S. citizenship is not required for eligibility.

To contribute to the fund, visit the bazaar web page at: https://tinyurl.com/y6rxpf5a
For more information on WAIM and its services, visit waimct.org