Groups gather for a Miracle on Main Street

EPHRATA - One of the first sights inside the Ephrata Recreation Center was Doreen Harb and Lousie Ingebrigton handing out free Christmas cookies to kids.

The women are members of the Columbia Basin Hospital Auxiliary for Ephrata's hospital.

They were one of many groups with stations set up for Ephrata's Miracle on Main Street event.

The groups offered a service and/or provided information about their group during the weekend event.

The auxiliary raises money for patients in the hospital's assisted living facility and nursing home and provides scholarships, Harb explained.

For Miracle on Main Street, auxiliary members made or bought cookies for kids.

At a letter writing station, Travis Hendrick, 6, of Ephrata, was penning a note to his cousins, Jack and Sam. Travis' letter was decorated with a green Christmas tree.

Nearby Ephrata High School Dance Team members Jeryn Smock, 17, and Rebecca Rolfe, 18, were helping kids decorate Christmas ornaments.

"It's lots of fun," Rolfe said.

Smock found most kids were shy when asking for help.

A cocoa-making station dubbed "Snowman Soup" was managed by dance team members Sarah Hunter and Carlee Stargel.

Kids were able to scoop cocoa and marshmallows into individual plastic bags and take them home.

At the Ephrata MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) station, Sara Riebli was selling girls' cloth-covered headbands and cookbooks. The recipes are a compilation of Ephrata members "'tried and true' recipes," she explained.

She was receiving many questions about MOPS and encouraged people to come check the group out. Their next meeting is 9 a.m., Feb. 17, at the Ephrata Presbyterian Church, 172 Ivy St. SE.

"It's a great way to meet people in town," she commented.

MOPS member Trista Davis said she was new to town and found the group beneficial.

"It gets me out of the house and gives me a break," she said. "They're very welcoming."

The group teaches baking and canning to members and recently hosted a speaker to address thankfulness. During MOPS meetings, baby-sitting is provided for members' kids.

Miracle on Main Street included a fun run, bake sale, food sale, candy cane walk and a parade.