Storrs Congregational Tag Sale Aug. 23

Just in time for the new school year, Storrs Congregational Church will host a Weekend of Welcome tag sale heralding the return of area students to the classroom.

The fundraiser takes place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, on the church lawn at 2 N. Eagleville Road, adjacent to the University of Connecticut campus. Attendees are invited to partake of free cookies and bottled water.

Proceeds will go to two UConn organizations: the Psychological Services Clinic, which offers free and low-cost mental health counseling to students and community members; and the UConn chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI on Campus).

WAIM, the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry, will also host a table at the event, with proceeds to benefit the organization’s back-to-school, emergency financial assistance, mentoring, material goods, and seasonal programs.

“As our community of faith sees it, “being the church” has much to do with helping to serve our community,” said the Rev. Diane Peterson Seaborn, senior minister. “We hope to raise funds and raise awareness for mental health and other of our neighbors’ needs, while deepening connections to our community.”

The tag sale traditionally features items such as baby and children’s goods, sports equipment, small kitchen appliances, rugs, linens, kitchen equipment, storage items, fabrics and crafts, office supplies, jewelry, books, gently used or newly donated UConn items and small-to-medium furniture: lamps, tables, chairs, outdoor garden, and patio items. Many items will be available for less than $5.

Said Seaborn, “We hope lots of folks will stop by to say hello, make a small purchase, and enjoy some delicious baked goods–all while supporting our neighbors! Knowing of available resources for those tough times can help us through–and teaches us all to lean on each other. Hope to see you all there!”

ABOUT STORRS CONGREGATIONAL-UCC

Storrs Congregational Church-UCC is a welcoming, historic, and progressive Christian community located at 2 North Eagleville Road in Storrs-Mansfield, CT. The congregation has been officially “Open and Affirming” since 1994, meaning that it is committed to accepting into full participation in the life of the church people of any age, economic status, gender, marital status, race, sexual orientation, and physical, emotional and mental capability.

In 2018, the congregation became a “Just Peace” Church within the United Church of Christ. The Just Peace movement is a call to non-violent action that alleviates systemic injustice of every kind.

It affirms the right of people everywhere in the world to basic needs such as food, healthcare, safe housing, employment, and education. The Just Peace designation marks the church’s commitment to speak out and act on pressing social issues such as gun violence, mental health, immigration, war, poverty, the environment, and racial inequality.

The congregation regularly sponsors outreach activities in the areas of hunger and food justice, mental health, refugee resettlement, environmental stewardship, and more.