On Saturday, The Shepherd’s Closet sponsored a holiday fundraiser at The Gathering Place Mission at 305 White St. in Weissport to go toward maintenance costs and repairs for the building. The event will take place again from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

A total of over 200 gifts for the fundraiser were donated by volunteers, surrounding churches and members of the community. Gifts were available for all ages and preferences including clothing, books and toys for children. Items for adults included clothing, jewelry and home décor.

Aside from the holiday fundraiser, during the event attendees were also welcome to browse the Shepherd’s Closet, which provides an assortment of donated clothing for free or a small donation. The Shepherd’s Closet is open year-round every second Saturday and third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Vernetta Steigerwalt of Summit Hill attended the event after hearing about it from her sister.

She said she had a great experience at the event.

Steigerwalt said it was important to have the fundraiser this time of year given the impact of COVID-19 and said, “I pray that things keep going well,” in regard to the events at the mission.

Weissport resident Guy Frehulfer also attended the fundraiser after hearing about it from a friend. He said he got great deals at the event.

In regard to COVID-19, Frehulfer said, “It gets people together since everybody has been staying at home and not getting out, so this is a good event to get people talking and seeing each other again.”

Overseer of the fundraiser Anita Wisler said that the event was a success, bringing in approximately 50 customers on its first day.

She believed that the safety and minimal gathering of people compared to big stores encouraged more customers to attend given the concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since attendees were required to wear masks and only three people were allowed in at a time, Wisler said many customers told her they felt safe and comfortable being there.

Wisler said a large variety of items are still available for people who may attend on Wednesday. New items will be on sale as well, and after lunchtime she may lower prices and give discounts on items as the event comes to a close.

“I would really like to thank my staff for helping, ’cause I couldn’t have done it on my own. It’s great to have a committed staff that gives up time to help to do something that blesses somebody else because time is something people don’t wanna give up anymore.”

Loretta Oswald, an event volunteer and member of Yokefellowship Prison Ministry, was also at the event.

Oswald said the numerous services that The Gathering Place has to offer include Shepherd’s Closet, free takeout dinners held every fourth Saturday of the month from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., Bible study every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and classes that they offer, including subjects such as healthy cooking, anger management and addiction.

For more information regarding the fundraiser, other services offered by the mission or how to volunteer or donate, call Wisler at 610-377-5395.