WALTHAM, MA (November 10, 2005) – The Covenant Congregational Church recently sold $9,000 in pumpkins and gourds as a fundraiser for the church, but also benefited Navajo Native Americans in Arizona at the same time. <\/p>\n
“It’s not just money in our pockets – we’re helping other people,” says Warren Lindstrom.<\/p>\n
The church worked with an organization called Pumpkin Patch, which contracts with the Navajo for the pumpkins. The pumpkins are then shipped to churches, which do not purchase them, but contribute two-thirds of the money raised, with the church retaining one-third of the revenue.<\/p>\n
The pumpkins are delivered at no cost. “They pulled up with a semi-truck load,” says Lindstrom. “We sold so many we had to buy 300 more from another church. Being located next to a road on which thousands of cars pass each day was a major factor in the success of the fundraiser, Lindstrom believes.<\/p>\n
Lindstrom says he learned of Pumpkin Patch, which identifies itself as a Christian organization, from another church in the area. Pumpkin Patch has been working with churches for 30 years. According to its website, they have partnered in 1,000 locations and with more than 20 denominations in 42 states. The organization works with churches of all sizes, a spokeswoman says.<\/p>\n
For more information, call church staff at 781-893-7717.<\/p>\n