Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mennonite Central Committee?
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is the cooperative relief & service agency of 25 Mennonite church groups. MCC was founded 1920 to respond to famine caused by war & revolution in Russia. Since then, MCC's efforts have expanded to 58 of the worlds poorest countries where more than 800 volunteers work in agriculture, community development, education, healthcare, social services, economic/technical development & peace concerns.

Why a relief sale?
Centuries of living & working in community have instilled in Mennonites an understanding of the strength of a community response to need. In this spirit, Mennonites began organizing sales like this to support& expand the worldwide relief efforts of MCC. In 2007, 46 sales in the United States & Canada generated more than $5.5 million. For a complete listing of sales, click here.

How much do our quilts sell for?
This is the single most frequently asked question and a difficult one to answer. Because all of our quilts are sold at auction, we never know what the prices will be. Our quilts include a wide variety of sizes, colors, designs, etc. and, of course, the prices vary widely, as well. Typically, there are some that sell for less than $100 and some that sell for more than $1,000. In our 18 years, the highest price for one of our quilts (so far) is $6,500.

How Can I Help?
Everyone is invited to attend the sale, enjoy the food, participate in the auctions & take home some crafts. Donations are also welcome. Please see the Volunteer Opportunities page for more ways to contribute.

Why send aid overseas when there is so much need here in our own country?
We encourage all efforts to help the needy among us anywhere on the planet. A substantial amount of MCC's work takes place here in the United States and Canada, including continuing assistance to hurricane victims.

Moreover, this is really the same question that Jesus was asked long ago: "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered by telling the story that we know as The Good Samaritan. In that story he challenges all of us to reach out in compassion to those in need, no matter who they are or where they are from. Jesus challenges us to define our neighborhood in a way that transcends the barriers that we so often erect between ourselves and others-barriers of race, class, ethnicity, nationality, etc. So in response to his call, we strive to minister to people who are hurting throughout the world.