By Ida Chipman Correspondent
DONALDSON — Christmas at the Earthworks Whole-House Sale is the biggest fundraiser it has all year.
“Our programs depend upon the money raised at this event,” Sister Sue Rogers, director of Earthworks, a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, said.
“Proceeds from the sale provide about 15 percent of the annual budget.
“The Christmas sale funds our mission and we are able to offer programs all year long to teach adults and children to care for and respect our fragile Earth. Nevertheless, this year, because of the poor economy, prices are slashed on everything.”

Sister Sue, a nun with the Society of the Sacred Heart, said that it is important to pay attention to the needs of the people around you.
“We’ve cut the prices so that folks can shop according to their budgets,” she said. “Just about everything for sale is under $5 and in comparison to other years, our prices are especially low… our effort to help in this dismal economy.”
There will be a lot of food on display. Dozens and dozens of delectable homemade  cookies, loaves of freshly baked bread, dipping oils mixed with fresh herbs and jars of jellies and conserves made from fresh fruits are but a few of the goodies offered.
Homemade honey from beekeeper Tom Kebs will be available.
“I am still making jam,” Sister Sue said, “strawberry, peach, grape and mangos.”
Gift boxes of jam and dipping oils and gift baskets of jellies, oils and sundried tomato pesto are for sale. Boxes can be mailed for the actual UPS charge. To mail a basket, you’re on your own.
Each of the six rooms and the deck of the home on Union Road is holiday decorated.
That’s why it is called “whole house.”
But it is not all about food.
There will be glassware, homemade jewelry, Christmas decorations and children’s toys and books. Antique Early American Prescut glass from the 30s and 40s is one set of collectibles that will be for sale.
A holiday raffle for a Sally Gerstbauer handmade quilt are $1 a ticket or 6 for $5.  Tickets are at Earthworks or at their downtown bread and meat shop in the Plymouth City Center.
Sister Sue said that she looks forward to seeing everyone at the sale.
“It’s a fun event — like a classy Goodwill, with lots of potential gift items, homemade cookies and Earthworks products. There’ll be music  and Fair-trade coffee.
“Come and shop at Earthworks,” Sister Sue said. “You’ll be happy that you did!”