TWIG craft bazaar helps hospital. 

TWIG craft bazaar helps hospital. 

By Kate Krieger-Watkins, MCP Correspondant. 

Around the County is a presentation of Preferred Credit Union, www.preferredcu.org, located locally at 266 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington.

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP – The third annual TWIG (Together We Inspire Generosity) Fall Bazaar will take place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23 at the United Methodist Church of Ludington, 5810 W. Bryant Rd.

“It (TWIG) was born from Julie Snyder (an Epworth resident) who had participated in a TWIG group in Columbus, Ohio when she was raising her own children, 30-40 years ago” member Valerie Berrett stated. “She gathered some of her Ludington friends who had different strengths and we collaborated for about a year to form what is now TWIG.  The sole purpose of TWIG is to fill in the gaps for underfunded programs at our local hospital. We do not take on large projects, but instead try to fill or enhance the little needs, i.e. preemie car seats, sleep sacks for every newborn, Reach Out and Read (books for every child at well-visits), etc. Part of what makes this organization different is that each TWIG votes on where they would like to see their profits from the bazaar used. This concept has helped keep TWIG members connected to the hospital. Each TWIG keeps ‘seed money’ for next year projects and puts the remainder in the donation fund. Because each TWIG has different projects, not all TWIG members put in the same amount, but the entire donation is then given to hospital projects.”

Every year, members have created a variety of different crafts to sell at the bazaar and due to COVID, last year’s bazaar was cancelled. Members are very excited to be able to host the event again this year.

“TWIG has ‘branches’ of crafters who meet to create items for our annual bazaar,” Berrett said. “All bazaar items must be handmade. There are no meetings to attend, just work-bee sessions to create with others who enjoy creating. For example, there is a knitting TWIG, a sewing TWIG, a baking (Sweet Shoppe) TWIG, and even a kitchen TWIG for members who are not creators. The kitchen TWIG prepares and sells our soup and sandwich lunch. We are in a rebuilding year after not being able to meet and create. We have gained some new members and lost some others. TWIG is always looking for people who want to get involved. We have a spring luncheon to welcome new members and let people check out what we do. Anyone interested before spring can contact Bobbie Severence-Roach at Bobbiesr@gmail.com.”

Because everything sold at the bazaar is handmade, some members have been working on items to sell for many months.

“There will be knitting, aprons, pillows, felted sheep, felted pumpkins, jewelry, baby burp cloths, wreaths, etc. and don’t forget the Sweet Shoppe,” Berrett added. “Baked goods galore. There is no charge to get into the bazaar, but we do hope everyone finds something they can’t live without and help us support our local hospital.

TWIG is always looking for new members and anyone interested doesn’t need to have an artistic ability.

“Each member pays annual dues of $5,” Berrett said. “We welcome everyone to participate, not just those that are crafty. Learning how to create new things is what keeps us connected. This year we welcomed 2DrunkBirches into our group. They have their own business creating natural arrangements, but have also joined TWIG.

Members of TWIG understand that small individual contributions, multiplied by many, can have a valuable impact. We want our local hospital to be the best it can be. If we can make a small contribution toward that end, and make valuable friendships in the process, it’s a win-win.”

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