All over the world people are hurting. From war-torn Ukraine to providing clean water in the Congo, and even closer to home where families in Appalachian areas struggle to thrive, people are hurting.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) understands the plight many families face every day. MCC is making an impact and helping those in need with a focus on biblical teachings such as John 3:17, which reads, “If anyone sees his brother in need and fails to help, what evidence is there of God’s love?”

MCC relies heavily on the compassion and giving of others to support its many programs, and one such event that has been a staple of fundraising over the decades has been the Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale.

This year’s 58th annual Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale has a new date (one month earlier) and a new location (Mount Hope, Ohio) with a bevy of activities, entertainment, an auction and plenty of chances for people who aren’t called to travel globally as missionaries to contribute in other ways.

The event begins Friday, July 7, with an evening open house beginning at 4 p.m. A variety of  foods will be available, including  the traditional Laotian egg rolls, barbecued chicken dinners, homemade ice cream, brats and sausage sandwiches, fresh fruit and fresh-squeezed lemonade.  Patrons can peruse the many auction items. A large bake sale also begins at 4 p.m.

The evening’s events will also include a gospel concert by John Schmid at 6:30 p.m.

The auction kicks into high gear Saturday, July 8, when patrons can fuel up for the big day with a full breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.

The main auction will begin at 9 a.m. Stunning hand-made quilts, Amish handcrafted furniture, power tools, outdoor furniture, and specialty items like a museum-quality doll house, furniture,  appliances and much more will be up for auction. Patrons will be able to bid in person or take advantage of online remote bidding.

Quilts and general auction items can be previewed Friday night at the event. In addition, there are select quilts and gift cards available as a “Buy It Now” option online, with these items available for purchase through July 6.

A Silent Auction will take place on both Friday and Saturday, featuring thousands of dollars in gift cards from local businesses and tourist locations.

While the adults support the auction, the kids can have fun with the exciting opportunities awaiting them. Children’s games and activities, inflatables and even a children’s auction are available for the youngsters.

Staffed solely by volunteers, the Relief Sale’s proceeds go to Mennonite Central Committee, a relief, service and development agency of North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches. MCC seeks to demonstrate God’s love through committed women and men who work among suffering people.

Admission and parking are free, and the entire event is wheelchair accessible in the air-conditioned 80,000-square-foot Mount Hope Event Center. The event is held rain or shine.

The Mount Hope Event Center is located at 8076 State Route 241, Millersburg, Ohio. Please note: Although the official address is listed as Millersburg, the event center is in Mount Hope.

A poster with the 2023 relief sale schedule is available at https://bit.ly/2023OhioReliefSalePoster.

A photo gallery of items which will be auctioned is available online at https://www.auctionzip.com/Listings/3818778.html. To register to bid online, see the Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale website: ohiomccreliefsale.org.