Relief sales are unique celebrations

organized by Mennonites across the United States and Canada to raise funds

for needy people around the world. The sales benefit Mennonite Central

Committee, a cooperative relief and service agency of 25 North American

church groups, founded in 1920.

MCC's worldwide efforts include

refugee and famine relief, agricultural and community development, education,

health care, and peace concerns. The global conflicts of the past year

have prompted organizers of this year's Peach Cobbler Sale to focus on

refugee relief projects, especially in Afghanistan.

Mary Maynard, co-chair of the

organizing effort for all three of the annual sales, has been pleased

with the enthusiastic participation of regional Mennonites. Like many

of the Mennonites who have their roots in the midwestern or eastern United

States, she sees the Peach Cobbler Sale as a time to connect with old

and new friends.

"It's been a great event

on several levels," she said. "As a quilter, I enjoy seeing

what the other quilters are creating. It's an event that brings lots of

old connections together again. The food is great, and the auction is

just fun."

Maynard also noted that while

some beautiful quilts have sold for bargain prices in previous years,

the gradual discovery by the public of the event has started moving some

of the bids to market values. "That's fine," she said. "MCC

makes good use of the proceeds."