Members of the Arts for Success Pottery Co-Op are holding a Christmas ornament fundraiser.
Proceeds will go to the family of Greenwood 7-year-old Ellen Miller, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
“We’re going to put them in stores by the checkout stands, and people can pick them up for a donation,” said Sue Hitt, director of the co-op.
The donation can be whatever amount the donor would like to offer.
The ornaments are in different shapes, such as unicorns, mermaids, flamingos, hearts, rainbows and shooting stars — all things that Ellen likes.
The ornaments are brightly decorated in some of Ellen’s favorite colors — pastels, reds, blues and purples.
The members also made crosses in a variety of bright colors.
Members will begin placing the ornaments in stores this week. Baskets will be located at Greenwood Drugs and Steven’s Bar-B-Q.
The ornaments will also be available at the pottery co-op and will be for sale at the co-op during the Holiday Open House, which begins Thursday.
The members all enjoy making pottery, but it’s a special experience when the pottery they make can help someone.
“This is just what we could do,” said Judy Muse, a pottery co-op member. “It’s a good support system for the family to know that there are people willing to pray for them and do something like this, because they didn’t ask for us to do this.”
Making the pottery is a two-week process. The members are producing several batches of ornaments and will continue making them as needed.
“The Lord put us here to help each other,” said Hitt. “Prayers are the most important, but we want to do anything we can to help.”
Arts for Success Pottery Co-Op has been in operation for about 30 years.
“We do classes once a year,” said Hitt. “We teach people to do pottery, and then they can become members here.”
With about 30 to 40 members, the Greenwood pottery co-op is one of only two in the state.
“This is a rare, rare thing,” said Hitt.
The members frequently make pottery for fundraisers and nonprofit events.
Ellen, a student at Pillow Academy, is currently getting treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. She is the daughter of Eric and Holly Miller of Greenwood and has an older sister, Maggie.
Along with the ornaments, other fundraisers are being held for Ellen, such as softball tournaments, raffles, T-shirts, signs and decals.
“It’s pretty amazing what everybody’s done,” said Eric Miller. “We’re thankful for the love and support we’ve received from pretty much everyone in Greenwood — and from everywhere.”
Businesses and organizations that would like to participate in the fundraiser and carry the ornaments may call 299-7950.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
