In our local community, NEUMC is recognized as the “pumpkin church” – for over 25 years, we have been hosting this signature youth fundraising event and providing pumpkins to the residents of Columbia, SC.
Today, the Pumpkin Patch is everything from an annual tradition for families, to a great spot for church-hosted events like movie nights and Trick or Treat in the Patch
Every year, our youth work volunteer at the pumpkin patch to raise money for their program, as well as local programs and charities of their choice.
In the past, pumpkin patch funds have been used to provide scholarships for church retreats, and funds for youth events and equipment. Pumpkin patch earnings have been donated to causes such as PAALS and the NEUMC Blessing Box.
For 2024, the Pumpkin Patch will continue funding our Youth Ministries program along with various causes within the local community.
All those who may be interested are invited to volunteer in our patch. The Pumpkin Patch is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours for extra curricular programs or other purposes.
Volunteering in the patch typically involves greeting customers, maintaining cleanliness, assisting with checkout, and addressing small needs that arise.
During the month of October, signup sheets are available online or in our narthex.
Patch hours for 2024 will be announced closer to our opening in October. Typically, we are open all day on weekends aside from Sunday mornings, and we are open during afternoons on weekdays.
Specific dates for 2024 will be announced closer to our opening in October. We typically stock pumpkins in late September, open October 1st, restock pumpkins midway through the month, and then close after Halloween.
We have a wide variety of pumpkins available, ranging from $0.50 to around $30. When you are ready for checkout, our volunteers will gladly assist in sizing pumpkins and accepting payment.
The Pumpkin Patch accepts cash, major cards such as Visa and MasterCard, and tap-to-pay/Apple Pay.
The Pumpkin Patch regularly hosts events for anyone in the local community who is interested. Specific dates and times will be announced closer to October, but please read below to see what we typically host during the month of October.
During Movie Night in the Patch, children are invited to the patch to watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.
Children and youth are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and “trick-or-treat” in the patch. Traditionally, volunteers will decorate their car trunks and hand out candy to those coming to the patch.
Members of our local community are invited to walk around the patch and browse a wide selection of pumpkins and gourds, ranging from $1 to $30 depending on size.
While in the patch, feel free to take advantage of the scenery and the many available photo opportunities.
Our youth-led volunteer team will be happy to greet you as you enter the patch, and assist with purchasing pumpkins, along with loading them into your vehicle.
