POCATELLO — Those who are looking for unique, handcrafted Christmas gifts for family and friends, or just a yummy homemade goody for themselves, may want to stop by the First Presbyterian Church’s Harvest Bazaar next week.
The annual bazaar, which raises funds for local charities, will take place at the Pocatello church, located at the corner of Lewis Street and Seventh Avenue, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 19, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 20.
Tracy Meyer, a committee member who helps organize the bazaar, said the event will offer pottery, hand-knitted items, crafts, baked goods and home-canned foods this year.
“Everything we offer is either handcrafted or home-cooked,” Meyer said, adding that the items are made by church members and various vendors.
This year’s event will also include a $5 soup luncheon on Oct. 20 at 11:30 a.m. And there will be raffle drawings for herb-garden, car care and movie night gift baskets among other items during the bazaar.
Tickets, which can be purchased at the door, cost $1 apiece, or $5 for six, and they can be placed in drawings for specific baskets, Meyer said. The winners don’t have to be present to claim their prizes.
The Harvest Bazaar is sponsored by the church’s Presbyterian Women group, and it raises money for local charities including Aid for Friends, the Idaho Foodbank and The Salvation Army, Meyer said, adding that they’re typically able to raise about $2,500. Some of the proceeds will also go to God’s Fund — a church account used to help people with emergency needs — this year.
B.J. Stensland, executive director of Aid For Friends, said they have used the church’s donation in the past to help purchase items that aren’t covered by grants, including the spices and oils they use to prepare the meals they serve to those in need.
“We still need to make the food taste good,” she said.
Stensland said she appreciates the church’s willingness to help Aid For Friends and similar organizations in the community by holding this annual event.
“We truly appreciate their support and their consideration for what we do at the shelter,” she said.