A Marvel-ous Event: Montana Raises Funds for Schools of Africa
Editor’s Note: Each year, local chapters and members across the USA organize innovative and engaging events to raise funds for ten schools throughout eight African countries. These funds have helped to continually maintain the schools, finance school supplies, improve buildings and classrooms, secure funds for scholarships to low-income students, and much more.
Montana raised funds for the Schools of Africa by organizing a yard sale on October 1 and 2. Many friends and members of WFWP contributed valuable surplus, and gently used items.
A couple of very interesting things happened during this yard sale. Right after the sale began, a new neighbor about four houses away came with a box full of vintage Marvel comics. She gave it to us, saying that we should charge $75 for the whole box. Then, she put an ad on Facebook Marketplace for our yard sale, which I had forgotten to do.
Not long after that, a man came by and bought four comics. He asked how much the whole box (about 200) comics were but left without buying any more. We sold a few more comics during the day. At the very end, while we were packing up, the same man came back with his son. He asked how much the whole box was, and we told him $75. He seemed about to argue the price, but when he was told that the yard sale is a benefit for Schools of Africa, he bought the box!
A close friend, Pastor Terry, came to support the Schools of Africa yard sale. We had some sport jackets and suits for sale that hadn't moved both days. We spoke to Pastor Terry and suggested that members of his congregation might use some of them. He took several and gave a very nice donation! Right after he left, a man came and bought a suit that had belonged to Pastor Terry! No suits sold until just before we were ready to close. I truly felt moved by the hearts of all the caring people who contributed to our efforts.
After two days the Billings, MT Schools of Africa Yard Sale netted and sent $807 to WFWP for the Schools of Africa Project! How exciting it is that our local community effort can make a yearlong impact in the education of women and children.
This is the time of year when we are reminded of all that we have and are grateful for. We hope that this season will also inspire you to initiate something meaningful in your community, or to make a donation to the Schools of Africa Project.