Written by Amanda Coers – The 5th Annual MOPS Market, a holiday vendor fair, will take place this Thursday, December 8th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Adam’s Street Community Center in Brownwood. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a national nonprofit group whose mission is to encourage and equip moms of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women and leaders, in relationship with Jesus, and in partnership with the local church.

“I joined MOPS when I was new to town and it gave me an opportunity to meet lots of friends at a time when I didn’t know anyone,” said Leslie Ness, who’s husband Peter is an Ophthalmologist in Brownwood. “Since then I’ve joined the leadership team which has allowed me to develop new skills, strengthen friendships, and reach out to other moms in the community.”

MOPS meets the first and third Friday of every month throughout the school year, providing childcare and activities for preschool aged children while mothers can take a break, enjoy the company of other moms, participate in games, crafts, group Bible studies, and other activities. The MOPS group has a few fundraisers throughout the year, including their main fundraising event with the holiday market fair in December.

Proceeds from the MOPS market will benefit both the group and The Pregnancy Care Center. Last year a portion of the proceeds from the market sales were used to buy diapers and wipes as special gifts for the group’s eleven expectant mothers.

“We love the opportunity to support local vendors in the community, many of whom are current or former MOPS moms,” said Ness.

One such vendor present at the upcoming market is Leslie Krischke, who operates a home based business Sprinkles and Sawdust, with her husband Matt, selling baked goods and handcrafted wood items. Matt Krischke is also the Information Technology Manager for Brown County.

“My husband and I have been vendors in the MOPS Market since it first began, and I can honestly say it’s our favorite craft show,” said Krischke. “The atmosphere is inviting, the vendors are all friendly and helpful, and the variety of items is wonderful. It makes it so easy to get all your shopping done in one place. And knowing that the proceeds are benefiting two amazing local groups is just the icing on the cake.”

There is a $3 entry fee for attendees at the 5th Annual MOPS Market, payable at the door. There are currently 19 vendors signed up to participate in the market, selling a variety of goods including jewelry, candles, clothing, homemade jellies, soaps, self-defense tools, and more.

For more information about MOPS contact Leslie Ness, 832-439-6294, [email protected].