Women's group plans CROP sale today

Organizers of the annual CROP sale for Church Women United are, clockwise, Dolly Jewel, Carol Simon, Angie Dunlap and Joyce King. The sale, which starts at 8 a.m. today, includes baked good, jams, fresh fruits and vegetables and a rummage sale. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tickets are $4. The sale is at the Family Life Center at Centenary United Methodist Church.Southeast Missourian

It started as a two-hour event 33 years ago on the parking lot of St. Mary's Cathedral, where women of the church tried to sell fresh fruits and vegetables to raise money for overseas missions.

Today, the annual CROP sale will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Family Life Center of Centenary United Methodist Church.

The sale includes lunch and plenty of items for sale, from fruits and vegetables to pottery and even baked goods.

The CROP sale and luncheon is sponsored by Church Women United, an interdenominational group.

The idea for the sale from its beginning "was just to catch people on their way home, get them to stop at our stand, and raise a little money for missions," said Joyce King, an organizer of the CROP sale.

Now it has grown to be an all-day event, with fresh-baked breads, fruits, jams and plants. "The event always attracts a good crowd," said King. "Last year we sold practically everything."

Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes chicken pasta salad, fresh baked bread, a dessert and drink. Lunch tickets are $4 and carry outs are available.

Items are on display for a rummage sale, and include crafts, books and even dishware. Proceeds from the sale will go to support of a women's scholarship to the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center, church world service projects, and a scholarship to Young Life Camp.