With the holiday season quickly approaching, there are numerous events and activities going on throughout the community that serve multiple purposes.

This weekend, Bath Christian Church will host its annual bazaar; next weekend, First United Methodist Church will host its 2014 Fall Fling event; and there are many more going on throughout the county.

Each event, with some variation, serves several purposes. There are mass amounts of donated items that are available for purchase at the events, whether they are handcrafted or just items that are no longer useful to its donor. Those attending the events will have the opportunity to purchase food, holiday gift items and other items.

However, these events are not just to give residents and visitors something to do and things to buy. The money raised at these events, or most of it, goes back into the community. These church organizations and others use the money for church and community outreach projects in the community.

Bath Christian Church uses its event’s proceeds for mission projects like Eagles’ Wings and Ruth’s House. But another important aspect of the events is the vast amounts of volunteers and donors that bring items to be sold. These individuals know the money is going back into the community to good causes, and they donate willingly to that end.

One vital component of this entire process is the community, shoppers, etc. Come out and support these entities in their mission to aid organizations and individuals in need. Instead of browsing a big retailer to purchase gifts for family and friends, come out to one of these events and support your community. There are a huge number of items that are one of a kind and cannot be found anywhere else. Even if it’s a frozen casserole or pie to put on the table for Thanksgiving, made by one of the hard-working women of Bath Christian, come out and make a purchase to support the community.