Mrs. Nothstein’s Helping Hands Fund broke a new personal record during the return of its in-person homemade holiday craft show.

The Nov. 4-6 event reportedly brought in $23,000 during its three-day run at North Catasauqua’s St. John Fisher Church - raising $3,000 more than its last big year in 2019.

The show hosted 35 craft participants with items ranging from quilts to Christmas wreaths and also offered home-cooked meals and treats for sale. The event generates money for the community by collecting 15 percent of craft sales and retaining 100 percent of food sales.

Mrs. Nothstein’s Helping Hands Fund has been a Catasauqua favorite for the past 11 years, with the fund donating more than $100,000 back into the community in the form of utility payments, rent payments, medical expenses and more for those in need.

The fund was established to honor the late Deb Nothstein, who wanted to support the community during moments of personal crisis. During her time with the Catasauqua Area School District, there were fewer organizations that aided children in need, so she would personally fill this gap through acts of kindness such as passing out lunch money and providing winter jackets to those who were struggling outside of school.

Her name has always echoed throughout Catasauqua as a superhero for students and a graciously giving resident.

Her sudden passing stole the breaths of many, but her legacy continues through her husband, Bill, and their children, Gregory and Bethany, who maintain the family-oriented organization. Deb Nothstein’s actions moved the hearts of residents across the community, as donations pour into this fund from various directions throughout the year.

Bill Nothstein shared that the fund’s continued success is due to the commitment and dedication from the Nothstein family and the “large generous community of people” who are always willing to help those less fortunate.

The fund is always accepting donations; those interested can write a check to Mrs. Nothstein’s Helping Hands Fund and mail it to 1214 Fourth St., Catasauqua, 18032.

For more information on how to support or get involved, contact Bill Nothstein at nothsteinw@gmail.com.