By Kerry Rahm
krahm@wbcowqel.com
Crafters and the public came together Saturday at the Bucyrus Nazarene Church to contribute to the Bucyrus Outreach Network’s (BORN) mission- help those in need.
Vendor tables at the craft show offered everything from hand-painted signs, OSU themed gifts, jewelry, candles, and seasonal decorations to artisanal honey and honey products, knit hats and scarves, and even men’s grooming products.
Eliza Cole, director of operations for BORN, spoke about what it took to organize this year’s event.
“We had probably 15 to 20 different volunteers who donated their time, contacting vendors through social media, through Craigslist, putting ads out everywhere,” Cole said. “They’ve probably put between 80 to 100 hours into this event. We had 43 vendors, this year we have over 50 vendors register.”
Linda Winbigler, who sells her “Made With Love American Girl” doll clothes, spoke of why she wanted to participate with BORN.
“I’m a Christian, and I like to help people,” Winbigler said. “I keep my prices low so I can help people and give them an opportunity that they can afford the clothes, and sometimes, if I know that they can’t afford it, I’ll even give the clothes away free.”
BORN volunteer Julie Light-Copper brought out her wares for the cause.
“I don’t do very many shows. I do it for agencies that volunteer. I did it for the Alzheimer’s, and 
I did it for Wayside, so other than that I don’t do it on a regular basis, (but) anybody that needs assistance, or anything like that I try to help them out as much as I can,” Light-Copper said.
Two large tables near the entrance doors were overflowing with cookies, cakes, and other delectable delights.
“Thirteen churches have participated in this, and the ladies that wanted to participate brought their goodies in this morning to us,” said Barb Leuthold, BORN board member. “I took care of the bake sale, but everybody had their own jobs to do, and, yeah, it’s a group effort.”
Numerous former BORN clients have now become volunteers. Margaret Lawrence was once a client and is now involved in the event process. Lawrence explains her participation and how the craft show was planned.
“It takes a lot of work,” Lawrence explained. “They’ve done a phenomenal job. Yeah, it’s a good organization.”
Lawrence conveys how BORN members have been supportive through the long haul.
“After my surgery, they called me to see how I was doing,” Lawrence said.
BORN offers an array of resources to Bucyrus area residents and the homeless, the faith-based network is comprised of Bucyrus area churches, and is staffed by congregants, volunteers, and former clients who wish to help by paying it forward.
Last year BORN offered assistance to 10 families with the proceeds raised from the craft show.