Welcome Back Tag and Bake Sale, Carillon Concert this Weekend

Storrs Congregational Church will hold its annual Welcome Back Tag and Bake sale this weekend on the church grounds at 2 North Eagleville Road in Storrs-Mansfield. The event will run from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28 and 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29.

All proceeds benefit the Leigh Duffy Diversion Fund, which helps prevent homelessness for those in communities served by the Windham Region No Freeze Project. The Covid-safe fundraiser will feature small appliances, furniture, household items, books, toys and sports equipment, with many items under $10, and most under $3.

"As we cycle from summer into fall, our seasonal tag and bake sale welcomes back the University community and provides an opportunity for students and the wider community to purchase affordable household and baked goods," said Pam Roberts, the event's chair. "It's also a great opportunity to come out and support a good cause."

Sunday Morning Events, Afternoon Carillon Concert
The second day of the tag sale on Sunday will include a free breakfast for students, worship at 10 a.m. in the meeting house, the dedication of the church's Just Peace ministry Peace Pole, and free refreshments for all.

At 5:00 p.m., area residents are invited to pack up their lawn chairs or blankets and bring a picnic and a friend to enjoy the musical talents of carillonneur-in-residence, Tanya Lukyanova.

The concert is a rain or shine event with video (concert-goers can watch the carillonneur while she plays) and live streaming on YouTube for those who are unable to attend in person. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the Meeting House.

An Emergent Need

This weekend's fundraiser addresses an emergent need in the community by supporting the growing number of families, students, immigrants and others at risk of housing insecurity.

Research shows that when persons enter a shelter, their risk of returning to shelter increases. Alternatively, those who are diverted have a lower risk of ever entering a shelter in their lifetime.

"Since our diversion fund was launched in 2019, it has already prevented 145 people from becoming homeless- and fundraisers such as this one have helped make that possible," said Avery Lenhart, the No Freeze Project's Executive Director. "Nothing is more exciting than seeing a person go from a crisis situation to a stable one."

The No Freeze Project's Diversion Fund helps pay for a variety of expenses such as kennel costs for a pet, a security deposit for an apartment, meals at a relative's home, and transportation costs.

Covid Protocols

Masks and social distancing in family units is recommended outdoors. Masks are required for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated when indoors. Food and drink is not allowed indoors.

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