Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, 604 Fourth St., Catasauqua, held a large basket raffle Oct. 7 and 8.

A panoply of volunteers were on hand to handle any rush of patrons. The staff included outside greeter Susan Marakovits, information coordinator Sandy Svitana, longtime church volunteer and lead organizer Janis Charvala and registration leader Vicki Chimics.

Other volunteers, such as ticket seller Ruthann Reinsmith and Judy Connelly, who staffed the woodwork room, were strategically placed to ensure patrons had a smooth flow of getting into the church and easily navigating the basket aisles and rooms of items for sale. Shoppers were able to follow the directional arrows that were set up.

Holy Trinity holds fundraising events during the year, with proceeds going to a nonprofit organization. This basket raffle’s profits were earmarked for Vet 2 Vet Service Dogs.

Visit v2vsd.org to donate directly if you were unable to attend the basket raffle.

This experienced church team of volunteers has basket raffle events down pat, making it a fun and uplifting event for them and shoppers.

The baskets are set up by categories, such as women’s items, household supplies and decor, wine-themed gifts, baby items, children’s activities, the arts and more. These categories help patrons who seek specific themed baskets and reduce the time a patron needs to search for baskets. For example, household products were all grouped together.

Vet 2 Vet volunteers Cliff Gledhill, of Bethlehem, with service dog Dayton, and Denise Van Sickle, also of Bethlehem, with service dog Murphy, provided patrons with smiles and wagging tails.

The basket raffle was busy and an enjoyable time for the volunteers and shoppers. A monetary benefit was given to Vet 2 Vet to assist its organization. Volunteers agreed it felt good to help veterans in need.