A cherished holiday tradition returns to Bunker Hill Presbyterian Church in Gloucester Township on Saturday with the 14th annual Christmas boutique.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greentree Road church, attendees can find handcrafted Christmas gifts and other seasonal merchandise. The Christmas boutique began in 2010 as a way for children to purchase affordable holiday gifts for their families and friends at or under $1. Over time, it expanded to include adults while remaining affordable.
“Our craft group is open to the congregation and friends of Bunker Hill Church,” explained Lynne E. Weitner, a longtime church member and organizer of the boutique. “At the very beginning, the group consisted of six women from the congregation. It took shape based on a desire to set aside time and space to create crafts without the distractions of being at home. It also gave us an opportunity to hone our skills among fellow crafters.”
The craft group – known as T.H.E.R.A.P.Y. – has continued to create a wide variety of handmade items throughout the year, despite challenges that included the loss of two founding members to COVID.
This year’s boutique will introduce a special feature, a table showcasing photo canvases created by the church’s pastor, an award-winning photographer.
“We invited him to display his art, and he offered not only to showcase it, but to sell it to support the fundraiser,” Weitner noted.
Visitors will find not only boutique’s signature selection of homemade crafts, but also an assortment of home-baked Christmas cookies. All purchased crafts will be wrapped on site at no charge.
Always a highlight of the boutique is the appearance of Santa Claus, whose presence has become a key part of drawing visitors into the church.
“We’re hopeful that Santa’s presence will encourage motorists to stop by, enjoy the boutique and support our fundraiser,” said Weitner.
Proceeds from boutique sales will go directly into the church’s general fund, to provid essential financial support for the small congregation.
“Our congregation averages just 27 worshipers on Sunday mornings,” noted Dan J. Weitner, Lynne’s husband. “T.H.E.R.A.P.Y.’s contribution of 100% of the boutique’s proceeds to the general fund is most welcome.”
