(Perkins, Okla.) Homemade treats plus holiday shopping equals an answered prayer for a local teacher.
Cami Downey, third grade teacher at Perkins Tryon Elementary, will be participating in the One Stop Christmas Shop, 102 S. Main St., Saturday, Dec. 17. The event will be noon – 5 p.m.
The One Stop Christmas Shop consists of local independent consultants such as Scentsy, Thirty One and Avon. Jewelry, purses and more accessories will be sold by other vendors, Melissa Kiser, creator of the event, said. A bake sale will be part of the event with all proceeds going to help Downey take her passion for teaching to the Congo in Africa in June.
Kiser said the event formed from an idea to help Downey raise money for the mission trip.
“It gives Cami an opportunity to set up a booth to help her fundraising,” Kiser said. “And it gives small businesses and independent consultants in the Perkins and Stillwater area the opportunity to make some Christmas cash. It’s a win, win for everyone.”
All the money Downey receives through selling will be put toward the $6,000 it will cost her and husband, Scott, to go to the Congo in June, Downey said. The couple will go with other members from the Lakeview Church, 1718 W. Lakeview Road in Stillwater, with an emphasis on building an addition to one of the schools. They will also visit orphanages while on the mission. Downey, who has taught a total of 13 years with five at Perkins Tryon, said teaching is a passion of hers.
“I get pure joy out of helping children,” Downey said. They are just so innocent, trusting and don’t see the negative in the world.”
Downey said she is not certain how the money will come together, but she believes it will happen.
“I’m walking in faith,” Downey said. “I believe this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I might not change the whole orphanage, but I can start with one child and that is my goal.”
Kiser said her goal for Saturday’s event is for Downey’s success. “I want it to give her an outlet to raise as much money as possible,” Kiser said. “She is a very precious woman and I want to fulfill that dream to go on the trip.”
Other independent consultants and vendors schedule to be at the One Stop Christmas Shop are: Mary Kay, Tupperware, Loco Designs, Gorjess Photography, Twisted Housewife, A Bow for All Occasions, Christy’s Little Creations and Sue’s Homemade Blankets. More vendors may be added by Saturday, Kiser said.
An hourly give-a-way will take place and participants do need to be present to win, Kiser said.
Donations in the form of monetary or home baked desserts will be accepted at the bake sale, Kiser said. For more information about the One Stop Christmas Shop, please contact Melissa Kiser at (405) 612-8236.
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