Mary Mother of the Church will host a bazaar on Saturday, July 17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 625 Union School Road, Mount Joy. The event will also feature two community service components - stuff the bus and a food bank collection.

This is the first time the church is holding the stuff the bus collection, said bazaar committee co-chair Claudia. "It was brought to our attention at one of our ministry meetings that there are a number of displaced or homeless students in our area, so this is a way to alleviate some of the burden and help our community," she stated. School supplies for children and youths in grades kindergarten through 12 will be collected, along with sweatshirts, sweatpants and children's socks. The items will then be dispersed to the Donegal, Elizabethtown, Hempfield and Columbia Borough school districts.

The food bank collection is an extension of the church's ongoing service project within its congregation. Food collected will benefit the Mount Joy Food Bank and the East Donegal Conoy Christian Food Bank. Everyone who donates three items either to stuff the bus or to the food bank collection will receive three tickets for a basket giveaway drawing at the bazaar.

The bazaar will include 30 vendors, offering everything from crafts to art. A Chinese auction will be held, and hundreds of baskets will be featured in a giveaway drawing. Items include restaurant gift cards, trips to local attractions and more. "This is truly a 'love thy neighbor' event," said Claudia, who noted that the church typically holds its bazaar over three days in the fall but had to change plans this year due to the pandemic. "People have given so much to help us. It's unbelievable how the community has come together."

A continental breakfast will be available on site, with items individually wrapped for grab and go, and lunch will be offered by church members. Lunch items include chicken corn chowder, meatball subs and walking tacos. A Miller's Barbecue meal consisting of a half-chicken, a baked potato, applesauce and a roll will also be available. Proceeds from the bazaar will fund church ministry projects.

"It's going to be a fun, joyful event," Claudia said. "Everyone is welcome."