Donna Rickels, left, and Carla McIntosh roll out dough which will be used to make apple dumplings at Union Avenue United Methodist Church. (Submitted Photo)
ALLIANCE — Apple dumplings have been rolling out of the Union Avenue United Methodist Church kitchen every fall for more than two decades, and this year is no exception.
A crew of experienced dumpling makers began work this week and will continue until Thanksgiving.
It’s a project that started in 2002 during the annual East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church when all delegates were given one dollar from the conference treasury, along with the challenge to use it to raise money for missions.
About 25 people from Union Avenue UMC pooled their money, bought apples and flour and made a limited number of dumplings. They quickly sold, and from there the project took off. First under the direction of the United Methodist Women, now the project is overseen by the United Methodist Men since 2008.
“I’m proud to help carry on this tradition that started in our church many years ago to help support our community,” said Margaret Brown who helps coordinate the project every year. “As a bonus, we have fun and make new friends.”
Among the local non-profits to benefit from the dumpling project are Alliance Area Habitat for Humanity, the Alliance Community Pantry, the Salvation Army, the Domestic Violence Shelter, Clothed in Righteousness, the YMCA and YWCA, Raiders Cove, Mount Union’s spring break Social Responsibility class trips, the church’s pre-school open house dinner, and it pays for the church’s monthly free spaghetti dinners at Christ United Methodist Church.
Last year the apple dumpling team, working Monday and Tuesday mornings, rolled out 6,252 apple dumplings to boost the total income since the men’s group took over to $108,079.
Dumplings may be purchased inside the church’s north side parking lot door Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Sunday mornings. The cost is $12 for a package of six dumplings.
Dumplings also will be delivered to businesses with an order of five packs or more. Call the church at 330-823-9270 for information.
