(Nov. 12, 2015) Along with a number of other charitable undertakings, Berlin’s Church Mouse has given an average of $15,000 a year to area nonprofits as part of its monthly outreach program in conjunction with the town’s 2nd Friday Art Stroll.
Organizer Helen Wiley said that aspect of the program started four years ago when the shop, located on 101 North Main Street, was looking for a way to participate in the monthly event.
“We wanted to get on board with the rest of the town, but, of course, most stores have more space and can have an artist on the premises,” she said. “Knowing that we do particular outreaches each month, I thought why not highlight one or two of those and that would bring attention to them?”
Wiley said the shop tries to donate the proceeds of 2nd Friday sales to fund its outreach. When sales are slow, however, the Church Mouse increases the amount.
“If I only had a $25 day, we certainly wouldn’t want to only give them that,” she said. “We usually do pretty well though.”
This month the Church Mouse is highlighting “Operation We Care,” a nonprofit that sends care packages to U.S. soldiers overseas.
“What we do is we give them money to pay for the postage to send those packages over,” she said. “They depend on donations of various items to go into the packages, but the Church Mouse tries to supplement the cost of the packages to send those.”
Wiley said in the past nonprofits have contacted her directly at the shop, and that often representatives have set up tables outside to add an outreach component during 2nd Fridays.
The Church Mouse is also auctioning off a handmade dollhouse, with proceeds benefiting Thanksgiving outreach programs.
For more information, call 410-641-4385.
Organizer Helen Wiley said that aspect of the program started four years ago when the shop, located on 101 North Main Street, was looking for a way to participate in the monthly event.
“We wanted to get on board with the rest of the town, but, of course, most stores have more space and can have an artist on the premises,” she said. “Knowing that we do particular outreaches each month, I thought why not highlight one or two of those and that would bring attention to them?”
Wiley said the shop tries to donate the proceeds of 2nd Friday sales to fund its outreach. When sales are slow, however, the Church Mouse increases the amount.
“If I only had a $25 day, we certainly wouldn’t want to only give them that,” she said. “We usually do pretty well though.”
This month the Church Mouse is highlighting “Operation We Care,” a nonprofit that sends care packages to U.S. soldiers overseas.
“What we do is we give them money to pay for the postage to send those packages over,” she said. “They depend on donations of various items to go into the packages, but the Church Mouse tries to supplement the cost of the packages to send those.”
Wiley said in the past nonprofits have contacted her directly at the shop, and that often representatives have set up tables outside to add an outreach component during 2nd Fridays.
The Church Mouse is also auctioning off a handmade dollhouse, with proceeds benefiting Thanksgiving outreach programs.
For more information, call 410-641-4385.