Craft Sales Will Help Get The Shopping Season Rolling

The kids are still going through Halloween sucrose withdrawals and the Thanksgiving turkey specials are barely under way - still, Christmas wares already get top billing at church craft sales.

“Only 50-plus days until Christmas,” one sale flier proclaims. You don’t have to wait for the snow to fall to land that one-of-a kind gift. This weekend, Valley churches have options for those with a hankering for knick-knacks, ornaments, and of course, goodies.

Millwood Community Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite, has its annual craft sale today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers say some folks have a tough time finding the church, but it’s easy. Just head north on Argonne, cross the railroad tracks, turn and go west one block on Euclid.

The sale features lots of sewing projects - quilts, aprons and pot holders. There are gift ideas perfect for winter, too - sweaters and knit caps. And, “lots of Christmas items,” says crafter Irene Stone. Miniature holiday trees and handmade dolls can be had, too.

Too early to be in the shopping frenzy mood? That’s OK. It’s also just a fun time to hang out with friends, Stone says.

Plus, if just being sedentary sounds better, the event still has an appeal. Visitors can plant themselves in a chair and let the food roll in.

“We have all kinds of goodies,” Stone says. “Cookies, cake, pies, bread - you name it.”

Millwood Presbyterian’s craft fair benefits the church youth programs. All the funds go toward sending youngsters to summer camp.

St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 503 N. Walnut Road, kicks off its two-day annual craft and bake sale today. It runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.

The church has about 20 vendors penciled in for spaces. In addition to Christmas ornaments and crafts, some of the vendors will even sell jewelry and china. There will be baked goods, snacks and a lunch served, too.

“It’s very nice and homey,” says organizer Laura Buelow.

For those interested in scoring a Christmas gift for themselves, the church will raffle off a $350 diamond and ruby ring. There’s also a men’s wrist watch. Want something more practical? There’s an outdoor motion light and a bread machine, too.

The sale is sponsored by the church’s Ladies Altar Society, the group which raises money for church vestments, communion wine, and other items necessary for Mass.

“We’re ongoing, working to raise money for that each year,” Buelow says. “We’re a hard-working group.”

, DataTimes