Various crafts, such as these dolls, were on sale at the festival. The money collected from the vendors supports programs offered by Red Lion Area Community Services. (Daily Record/Sunday News - Jason Plotkin)
After the success of the last year's inaugural fall craft show, Muriel Slenker decided it was worth doing again.

And so Saturday morning, about 20 vendors put out their wares on the grounds of St. Paul's Chapel United Methodist Church in Red Lion.

The money collected from the vendors and the sale of baked good and snacks will go to support programs offered by Red Lion Area Community Services, of which Slenker is executive director.

Slenker's goal this year was to exceed the $750 raised last year. She said it was necessary to exceed last year's goal because the needs of the community have grown substantially in the last 12 months.

"As the economic problems increase in our community so, too, does the needs of our people," Slenker said between customers. "Problem is, while the needs are way up, donations are way down."

Much of the money raised during Saturday's show will help Slenker buy food for families struggling to make ends meet. Over the years, her program has relied on local donations and those from bigger programs such as the York County Food Bank.

But, she said, even large organizations such as the food bank are having trouble keeping their shelves full, let alone having enough to disseminate to others.

Donations have begun to pick up, Slenker said, probably because it's the holiday season.

That means her program can again have its annual Thanksgiving Bags of Blessings. The bags include potato products, canned vegetables, cake mix and stuffing.

Slenker believes she will also be able to hand out Christmas Bags of Blessings next month.

"But the food really is going out as fast as it comes in," Slenker said.

The economy was also on the mind of some vendors.

"This is the second time we've tried to sell some things in a flea market-like setting," Deb Kalina said. "I think everyone is looking at what they don't use and trying to figure out if it can make them a little money."

She described everything at her table as being priced to move.

"In this economy, everyone's in need of a bargain," Kalina said.

To help

Muriel Slenker, Red Lion Area Community Services executive director, said she's concerned about her agency's ability to keep pace with the food demand come January.

"This has been a very challenging year," Slenker said. "And the next doesn't look much better."

The program is also trying to raise money by offering its basement and second floor for events such as meetings, training sessions or yoga.

"We don't even have a fee structure for our spaces," Slenker said. "Like most things, we will rely on donations for the use of our space."

Food or cash donations can be dropped off 9 a.m. to noon at the agency's new location, 15 First Ave, in Red Lion.