Christmas Bazaar raises money for Senior Center

Two rooms were dedicated to the event, with vendors taking up most of the activity room and the cafeteria set aside for one more merchant and refreshments for folks in need of a hot drink or looking to satisfy their “sweet tooth.”

Phyllis Schmidt introduced others to the art of tatting, a form of lacemaking that can be used to create placemats, jewelry, ornaments and everything in between. As with other kinds of art, each piece is unique and can be as intricate or plain as the creator wants; some of Schmidt’s earrings included fanciful beadwork, but the little butterflies she made to practice her technique take just a few minutes to shape and finish.

“I learned (tatting) when I was about 8, so it’s been a while. My grandmother taught me,” explained Schmidt, who was selling her work for the first time. She’s already considering returning to next year’s bazaar. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s enjoyable.”

Schmidt was just one of 19 vendors, and throughout the day, organizers estimate more than 500 visitors came to check out their little winter wonderland.

Among those visitors, there was significant interest in signing up for the Senior Center – whether as members or volunteers. In this way, the bazaar acts as a sort of open house for the community to come out and see what opportunities the Senior Center provides.

A common misconception about the bazaar is that participants are solely made up of Senior Center members. In reality, vendors from varying sources are invited to present their wares – mostly crafts or food – as they please.

A good example is K.G. Meadows, who offered something a bit different from the rest of the booths up to browse. Although this local author is no stranger to publishing, her new novel, “The Tomb of Am-Theret,” promises to enthrall fans of mystery and Egyptology.

“‘The Tomb of Am-Theret’ is like if the ‘Indiana Jones’ series and ‘The Mummy’ series came together and had a baby,” Meadows said, adding that a sequel, “The Pharaoh’s Heir,” will be set in France and feature ties to the Parisian catacombs.

Getting into the Christmas spirit is easy when so many giving hearts are on display, and at least two vendors decided to pass their earnings along to good causes. For example, one artist used the funds gathered from sales of her crocheted opossums to help bolster the local meal delivery program for seniors.

And then there was Sweet Comfort Hospice. Dressed as Mrs. Claus, Nikki Sturges was proud to represent the only nonprofit hospice in North Georgia. Her daughter sold crocheted keychains and plushies to help the cause, and any donation to Sweet Comfort was rewarded with a handmade scarf or prayer shawl.

“We are community owned, we are community serving, and we are taking care of everybody,” said Sturges, who touts the organization as a mission with a motto focusing on “faith first” care. “I love people and I love taking care of people, and that’s what it’s about.”

Along with collecting proceeds for Sweet Comfort Hospice, Sturges was also fundraising for Towns County-Union County Volunteers for the Handicapped by selling bags of cashews and pecans on the other half of her table.

“They were making (gifts) for the donations,” said Amy Scheffield, who was out Christmas shopping when Sweet Comfort caught her eye specifically. “I always thought that was really exceptional.”

Fellow browser Melissa Dudley shared Scheffield’s sentiment and had already purchased some gifts alongside her friend. She lingered around Sturges’ table, pointing out some particularly colorful handmade hats that would suit her husband, who’s easy to spot with his penchant for bright clothing.

“We always make a point to be together,” she said of her family’s own holiday celebrations, for which she was preparing early with bags of goodies in tow.

Thanks to Georgia’s Division of Aging Services, the Senior Center saw no impact from the government shutdown and the precarious status of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. With 30 days’ worth of funding in reserves for the month of October, the Senior Center’s coffers remained stable.

With such a positive reception for the Christmas Bazaar and the current smooth sailing, the Senior Center remains financially viable, and there’s no danger of the organization closing. That said, there are more events being planned for the future to help bolster fundraising.

In fact, those interested in helping can mark their calendars for the Senior Center Barbecue on Dec. 4. Of course, the angel trees are returning this year as well to help donors pay for senior meals, with trees located at the Recreation Center and the Union County Courthouse.

And throughout the month of December, anyone can donate and in return drop off their gifts to be wrapped by Senior Center members as an additional fundraiser.