Last year, Daryl Ford got a little desperate.
A lack of funds was threatening McDonald Road Seventh-day Adventist Church's annual youth mission trip. But after some of the students went door to door soliciting donations and got their entire trip paid for by an older couple, she knew the trip was supposed to happen.
The group still needed more funding, so they decided to host a flea market.
"We raised $3,000 last year," Ford said. "We thought if we continue this every year, maybe it'll grow even more."
This year's flea market is set for Sunday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the church, 5440 McDonald Road. In addition to market items, a bake sale and silent auction will also be part of the fundraiser.
Funds raised will go toward work on a school building in Belize.
During the mission trip next summer, the church's youth will extend the kitchen building's roof, build picnic tables for the students, work on a new classroom, help with some painting and lead a vacation Bible school for the students - all in eight days' time.
"It's amazing to see their growth," Ford said of the youth who participate. "A lot of it is very spiritual but it's also seeing the way other people live. For them it's a big eye opener."
While on the mission trip, she said the youth start working at 6:30 a.m. They take a break for breakfast at 8 a.m. Then it's more work until lunchtime, afternoon vacation Bible school and then wrapping up unfinished tasks for the day. Then, they do it all again the next day.
"It really is a mission trip for them," Ford said. "We really limit the number of adults. We really want it to be something they can put their hearts into."