Storrs Congregational's Spring Fair to Benefit Ukraine Refugees

Storrs Congregational Church-United Church of Christ (UCC) is continuing its tradition of celebrating Mother’s Day weekend by giving back to those in need.

Proceeds from the church’s annual Spring Fair, to be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13, will go toward relief for the people of Ukraine, where mothers and their children have been disproportionately affected by the depredations of war. The sale will benefit the UCC Ukraine Relief Fund, which provides shelter, food, and other care to war refugees and internally displaced people.

The benefit is in keeping with Storrs Congregational’s mission as a Just Peace Church, which calls on it to affirm the right of people everywhere in the world to basic needs such as food, healthcare, and safe housing. Last year’s fair benefited the church’s food pantry, which serves around 100 individuals in the Mansfield area.

“We welcome any and all members of our community to come on out and support the fair, while simultaneously supporting our mission to care for people in hurting places,” said the Rev. Diane Peterson Seaborn, the church’s senior minister. “When you purchase an item, you will help support families struggling to survive in war-torn places like Ukraine.”

The Spring Fair will add to the more than $3 million the UCC has already raised for Ukraine relief. The rain-or-shine event will take place on the church grounds at 2 North Eagleville Road in Storrs-Mansfield. The public is invited.

The fair will feature items suitable for Mother’s Day and graduation giving. Plants, crafts, greeting cards, baked goods, and quilted and fabric items will be available. One of the special items for sale this year is a quilt in the yellow-and-blue colors of Ukraine, made and donated by Joan Rogers, a member of the church’s Parish Piecers quilting group.

The fair will also offer handmade fair-trade gifts from SERRV International, a nonprofit that supports small-scale artisans and farmers from around the globe.

For information about the spring fair, visit the church website at www.storrscongchurch.org or call 860-429-9382.

About the Need

According to the International Rescue Committee, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to the most critical displacement of European residents since World War II. Women and children, who are often at risk of exploitation and abuse, make up the majority of those displaced. Blockages of grain shipments into the country have cut off their access to adequate food, water, and other essentials.

UCC Ukraine relief funding has supported a spectrum of services. In addition to food and shelter, it has provided medical care, water, sanitation and hygiene and spiritual and psychological care to refugees in Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, and Romania. For more information about the UCC Ukraine Relief Fund, visit https://www.sneucc.org/newsdetail/getting-aid-to-ukraine-16383498