Manger Mall, Farmers Market debut at Pateros Chamber

PATEROS – Guest speakers, Kathi Fedor of Chelan Valley Hope (CVH) and Emmanuel “Manny” Hurtado of Brewster addressed members of the Pateros Chamber of Commerce at their regular monthly meeting last Thursday, May 4.

Fedor proposed that the Chamber bring the Manger Mall Christmas toy drive that has been a fixture in the Chelan-Manson community for the past nine years. Fedor said her goal is to see Manger Malls next established in the Pateros-Brewster-Bridgeport area in Okanogan County and eventually all the way to the Canadian border.

Major Mall volunteers begin purchasing and gathering new, unwrapped toys in October for distribution to families during the second Saturday in December. Registration forms in English and Spanish are distributed to schools, community service organizations and other locations where low income families can be reached.

Once the forms are returned with ages and gender of children, appointment cards are sent to the registered families advising them of the time and date to shop for toys. All items can be purchased by parents one dollar each and gifts are organized into age groups for children up to 18 years of age.

Fedor said Manger Mall served about 1,100 youngsters last year.

Corina Gebbers, sales and marketing manager for Gamble Sands is helping Fedor get Manger Mall off the ground in Brewster this year, in cooperation with the Brewster Boys and Girls Club.

“Manger Mall is kind of like Toys for Tots,” said Fedor “except it’s a much more community-oriented event.”

Hurtado addressed the Chamber about the new Farmers Market that he and his brother, Martin, are opening Saturday mornings on Sixth and Main streets in downtown Brewster. Hurtado also encouraged members to spread the word that vendors are needed and welcome at the new venture. Vendor spaces cost $10 per week for a 10 x 15-foot space with power available in some locations.

Currently vendors are prohibited from offering hot food items or second-hand articles at the market.

The Farmers Market opened for business Saturday, April 29,  8 a.m. to noon; and now Hurtado is making the rounds to ask for support.

“We need vendors and I need your help,” Hurtado said. “I came here for your Arbor Day and it was full of people; you certainly know what you’re doing.”