ILLINOIS—The Galesburg congregation held its annual garage sale on Oct. 13, 2013, at the home of Dave and Sharon Witcraft in Clarence, Iowa. The sale and cookout were the first fundraiser and social since two former congregations—Brooklyn, Iowa, and Springfield, Illinois—merged and formed the Galesburg congregation in the fall of 2012.

Members traveled in to participate, some staying in the area overnight to arrive bright and early to help set up about a dozen tables plus clothing racks, as well as a few major items donated by a member moving out of the area. The goal for the fundraiser was to raise $1,000.

Preaching Elder Eric Anderson worked the grill, preparing eggs, turkey ham and sausage links for the morning crew’s brunch. Members who arrived for the afternoon shift shared a grilled chicken dinner prepared by Reagan Anderson and supplemented by side dishes provided by the ladies in the congregation.

“Their breakfast and grilled chicken were best I’ve ever tasted from a grill! [Reagan Anderson’s] Grandpa Harrison would be so pleased!” Bonnie Sloan said.

“It is heartwarming to see how everyone coordinated their efforts over such a broad area from Southern Illinois to East Central Iowa,” Jim Costanzo said.

The congregation raised a total of $250 in sales, plus donations. A member posted the major items that did not sell to Craigslist, and the biggest item, a trailer, sold within two weeks for $725. Combined with the garage sale, that transaction helped the congregation exceed its fundraising goal.