MOSC seeks bazaar volunteers

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  An event many shoppers look forward to is the Misawa Far East Bazaar which is held twice a year and provides patrons with an opportunity to find items from throughout the Pacific.

The bazaar, sponsored by the Misawa Officers' Spouses' Club, depends on donations and volunteers from the Misawa community.

"Volunteers are at the very core of why the bazaar is so successful," said Valerie Frost publicity chairperson for the bazaar. "Shifts for volunteers are usually four to five hours, but any amount of time volunteered is appreciated. We could not bring as much to the Misawa community without the huge support of the volunteers."

To keep the event successful, volunteers are needed in a variety of areas, which include computer entry, sorters and reconcilers, according to Mrs. Frost. Likewise, there are positions available to help vendors on the sales floor.

Although volunteering normally comes without payment, the MOSC is providing several incentives to encourage people to help.

"All volunteers get a letter of appreciation and the opportunity to pre-shop on Saturday morning before the doors open to the community," said Mrs. Frost. "The names of volunteers are also entered into drawings for free merchandise from the vendors and volunteers who work more than one shift are entered into a grand prize drawing."

The spouses' club sponsors a hospitality area where snacks and beverages are provided.

"We provide food and drinks because the vendors are in the hangar very early in the morning to late night and many volunteers work double shifts," said Jeanette Goodman co-chairperson of hospitality. "At this time, we are still in need of sodas, bottled waters and prepackaged snacks."

To support the Far East Bazaar, anyone can donate items. The MOSC accepts monetary donations as well.

"If people purchase items from the commissary, they can leave their donation at the first exit door of the commissary in the area marked for MOSC bazaar donations," said Mrs. Goodman. "Donations can be left at the commissary until Oct. 16. After Oct. 16, they can be dropped off at Hangar 949 Friday morning before the bazaar (Oct. 17) and Saturday morning (Oct 18)."

All interested volunteers should contact Sandra Williamson, volunteer chairperson, at fareastbazaar@yahoo.com or call 222-5601. In the e-mail to Sandra Williamson, please include a contact number and let her know in which area you'd like to help.

In addition, if anyone wants to make any donations, but can't make it to the drop off points call Mrs. Goodman at 222-9786 or ErinKelly Rose at 0176515161 before Oct. 16 to arrange for pick up.

The Far East Bazaar is scheduled Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hangar 949.