A good friend has your back. Barb Dagen has been a good friend to Tabitha Shilalo by holding two benefit events to help support Shilalo's LuoPad Pack Project ministry, which provides feminine pads for women and girls in developing countries. Shilalo is connected to Unto, a ministry based in Mount Joy, that works with "strategic global partnerships to relieve suffering through humanitarian aid in more than 75 countries," according to the organization's website.

On Saturday, Dec. 9, Dagen will hold the third Cookies and Greens Benefit Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in her rustic barn at 80 Hellers Church Road, Leola.

This year's sale will once again focus on delightful and delicious things. "Cookies will be sold by the dozen and the half dozen," said Dagen, who noted that live evergreens, winterberry, and some wreaths done in faux greenery have been created for the event. Dagen has also decorated winter-themed items, such as skates in Christmas colors and decor for sale. Many of the wreaths carry reminders of the Christmases of yesteryear in their subtle colors. Dagen used items from nature, such as birch and Queen Anne's lace, to complete the look. Other door decor sports orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Decorative baskets of fresh greens and everlasting wreaths for use year-round will also be offered for sale.

Dagen has added gift baskets to this year's collection of items to sell. "This is a date-night basket with chocolates and sparkling cider," Dagen said, displaying one of the baskets. She also pointed out a basket with personal care items such as lavender spray and orange peppermint body scrub. "This is a kitchen basket. It has dill pickles, sweet pickles, and apple butter," she said of another basket. Other items offered for sale will include coffee sugar scrub and scented foot soaks.

Last year's sale raised more than $2,000 for Shilalo, who traveled to Asia in 2022 and to Africa last June as part of her mission. She also visits churches in Pennsylvania to teach groups how to make LuoPads for Unto. Cindy Yingling, who is helping Dagen to organize the benefit, knows how much the funds mean to Shilalo. "(The money) helps Tabitha in her mission trips abroad or needs they didn't know about that come up," she pointed out.

Shilalo, who is originally from Kenya, said she is grateful for Dagen's efforts. "It's so helpful (that she holds this fundraiser)," Shilalo noted. "Because I was not born here, and I don't know a lot of people, and I don't go to a big church, (Dagen and her friends) helping me really boosts my account and helps me to keep going."

More information about the ministry may be found at https://unto.com. Readers with specific questions may email tabitha.shilalo@unto.com.