- April 24, 2024
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Josh, Josie aand Michelle Stover stop by Tomoka Christian Church to pick up a couple pumpkins. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Zachary, Jenny, Jonathan and Henry Haney picked up a couple pumpkins of different sizes and colors at Tomoka Christian Church. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
A total of 2,000 pumpkins were delivered to Tomoka Christian Church on Oct. 12. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Heather, Dillon aand Michael Robinson peruse the pumpkins at Tomoka Christian Church. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Lilly and her grandmother Maria Ritz pick up a pumpkin at Tomoka Christian Church. Lilly said she wanted to give it to a friend who didn't have one yet. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Tomoka Christian Church volunteers Ronda Sylvia, Chris Rutherford and Annie Karce pose by the pumpkin cutout at the patch. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
It's pumpkin season at Tomoka Christian Church.
A total of 2,000 pumpkins of all shapes and sizes were unloaded on Oct. 12 by volunteers, and residents have the chance to pick out and buy their favorite in the patch until Oct. 30. The church's pumpkin patch has been held annually for at least 10 years, and it serves as a fundraiser for the church's global short-term mission trips.
Meaghan Massy, short-term missions director at Tomoka Christian Church, said this year's pumpkin patch wasn't as easy to put on due to COVID-19, but that they pushed through because they knew the community would appreciate it and support the fundraiser.
"I think it's even better to see because of what is happening and people are still showing up to help," she said.
They also like to provide photo opportunities for families to utilize so the experience is fun for everyone, Massy added. Running the patch is the best part.
"You get to see people you normally wouldn't get to to meet, and just walking out and being part of their family tradition — that's fun," Massy said. "I love it."
Tomoka Christian Church's pumpkin patch is open 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
