For sale at the upcoming inaugural event hosted by Conestoga Valley SEEDS (Selfless love, Empowerment, Equity, Deliberate partnership and Stewardship) will be an assortment of goods. But available at no charge will be joy, fellowship and community spirit.

CV SEEDS' Community Popup Market is both a fundraiser and an outreach program.

"We were hunting for a way to bring our community together," said Michelle Kime, who's been the co-director of CV SEEDS for two years. "As a nonprofit, we're always looking for ways to fund our programs. It felt like a fun way to meet all of those goals. It gives people a chance in their busy weeks to just pop in."

CV SEEDS will host its initial Community Popup Market in three rooms of its headquarters at 1865 Lincoln Highway East, Unit 4, Lancaster, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

"We hope it will be filled with joy and have a very community, welcoming feel," said Kime. "We'd love to pack it the whole time. There is plenty of room. (Visitors) can wander around in any of our spaces."

The event will feature the wares and works of more than 20 vendors - local makers, artisans and small business owners. Among the products available for purchase will be cookies, breads, candles, clothing, books, pet accessories, cooking supplies, services and experiences.

A coffee truck will also be parked on-site.

The Community Popup Market is being sponsored by eight committed businesses.

"This event will bring together small business owners and community members," said Kime. "We're hoping for a fun shopping experience where people can interact and learn about our mission and programs. They can be with their neighbors, support local businesses and support Conestoga Valley SEEDS."

The market's vendors have pledged to donate 15% to 20% of their profits to SEEDS. The market organizers are hoping to raise $20,000 for CV SEEDS, which meets needs in the Conestoga Valley School District through health services, education and housing assistance.

"The proceeds will go toward continuing our programs and providing supplies in all of our programming," said Kime, a Conestoga Valley-area resident. "It will provide needed materials for language development classes, help pay for our adult advocate and support the growth of our occupation programs. We're very excited and hoping it can be an annual event."

CV SEEDS has developed a tagline for its new event, "Shop Local, Support SEEDS, Strengthen Community."

"It's a day when you can do all three," said Kime. "You can feel a part of what's happening in our Conestoga Valley community. These are our neighbors. This is our home."

SEEDS, which was formally founded in October of 2022, also hosts a community breakfast in October. CV SEEDS is spiritually and financially supported by eight churches, local businesses and like-minded individuals.

"We don't have a lot of fundraisers," said Kime, "so that makes this important."

In addition to Kime, CV SEEDS employs co-director Kristen Hershey and adult advocate Megan Shertzer. The nonprofit also benefits from the work of a number of volunteers, including an eight-member board of directors.

"We were started from the heart of one of our social workers," said Kime. "We're kind of a one-stop shop where people can come for resources and services. (At the time of SEEDS' founding), Kristen and I were on the board, and (the other board members) asked us if we wanted to become co-directors."

"We feel like we have a great foundation," continued Kime. "We're solid on our mission and vision. We're continuing to foster great relationships with churches and (the Conestoga Valley) school board. Now we're just growing that. Now we're asking, 'How can we improve in our programs?'"

During the 2024-25 school year, 209 children living in the Conestoga Valley School District were identified as homeless. While partnering with Union Community Care, CV SEEDS provides housing stability support, transitional living support and unhoused support.

"We want to listen and care well in our community," said Kime. "We want to care deeper for our participants. We're walking alongside families. We're trying to remove barriers to needs."

For additional information, go to http://www.seedscv.com.