Union Presbyterian Church (UPC), 5637 Street Road, Kirkwood, will host a yard sale on Friday, July 14, and on Saturday, July 15, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. A variety of items will be available to purchase, and the church will use the funds raised from the sale to support its mission work and several nonprofit organizations in the area.

The items that will be available to purchase have been donated by members of UPC's congregation and will include children's toys, household goods, clothing, men's accessories and puzzles. This year, uncommon curios such as a wooden Arbuckle coffee box, an antique scythe, vintage books and a quilting frame will also be available to purchase.

UPC has organized the yard sale every summer for over 10 years. "The sale is great because we clean out our houses and get rid of things we don't want, which are treasures to other people," said Colleen Sheaffer, organizer of the event. "It puts a lot of smiles on people's faces."

UPC will split the profits from the yard sale between multiple local organizations that work to better the community, such as Solanco Neighborhood Ministries (SNM). SNM provides many services throughout the Southern End with the goal of creating a network of resources and support for its residents. SNM's programs, such as its food bank located in Quarryville, aim to break the cycle of poverty within the community while encouraging individuality and spiritual growth. All of the organization's initiatives are funded by donations from local residents, businesses and churches such as UPC.

The proceeds from the yard sale will also benefit North Star Initiative (NSI), an organization that offers resources for survivors of sex trafficking in Lancaster County. NSI provides a residency program to house survivors as they receive care for both emotional and physical trauma and explore paths to rebuild their lives. Over the course of six to 18 months, participants have access to therapy, medical and dental services and skill training for employment opportunities.

Another beneficiary of the yard sale funds is the Oaks Ministry. The organization operates two residences in Oxford to provide women with transitional housing and support services as they seek financial stability. The Oaks Ministry is a Christian-based nonprofit organization and primarily serves those in the immediate area, but often extends its services to women in need from other counties.

For more information about the yard sale, visit https://unionpres.com.