Memberships to local attractions, restaurant gift certificates, photography packages, massage sessions, and house-cleaning services are among the items the coordinators of the annual Faith Reformed MOPS auction are hoping to receive from donors.
"We're trying to appeal to busy moms," explained co-coordinator Hillary Prickett. "I would bid on (house-cleaning services) in 2 seconds. It's my least-favorite chore."
The auction will be held during the MOPS group's usual meeting time on Friday, April 5, starting at 9 a.m. at Faith Reformed Presbyterian Church (FRPC), 611 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville. While meetings typically end at 11 a.m., this special event is expected to continue until 11:30 a.m. A silent auction will open at 9 a.m., and a live auction will start a half-hour later. Donations already received for the auction include several baby quilts, home decor, a date-night meal prepared by a personal chef, child care, collections of children's books, gift baskets, hair products, fair-trade jewelry, handbags, a photography package, restaurant and coffee shop gift cards, and even a year's dues for MOPS membership.
Cash and checks will be accepted as payment for auction purchases. All of the proceeds will go to North Star Initiative, which operates the Harbor Restoration Program, a trauma-informed, strength-based residential program intentionally designed to treat the needs of female survivors of sex trafficking. Following a needs assessment, an individualized care plan is created for each client that may include life skills classes, access to trauma therapy and support, and planning and tools for safe, healthy, independent living. This is the second year that Faith Reformed MOPS has supported North Star through its auction. The 2018 auction generated $2,951, and the coordinators hope to exceed that this year.
"Last year, we chose North Star Initiative because MOPS International's theme was 'Free Indeed,'" Prickett said. "Helping women come out of sex trafficking was (a) perfect (fit for the theme). The ministry (North Star) does is so incredibly needed. We didn't think twice about partnering with them for a second year."
Child care will be available during the auction free of charge, but registration is required by Monday, April 1. To register their youngsters, readers may email andysusanyoung@yahoo.com.
Faith Reformed MOPS meets from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first and third Fridays of every month from September through May at FRPC. New members are always welcome. There is a cost for membership, which includes access to parenting resources, devotionals, newsletters from MOPS International, and lots of support. Prickett noted that during meetings, mothers of preschoolers work on crafts and other creative projects, engage in a faith-based curriculum, and socialize. There are even playdates and Moms' Night Out events.
"It's a good place to meet other moms and do parenting together," Prickett remarked.
For more information about Faith Reformed MOPS or to contribute to the auction, readers may email Prickett at hfprickett@gmail.com.
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