Taco truck new feature at annual UWJC fundraiser

The United Way of Jasper County is hosting its book and bake sale fundraiser but there will be a new offering for the fifth annual event — tacos.

UWJC Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes is excited to announce the Cocina Hernandez taco truck will be onsite serving its cuisine in conjunction with the sale. To be available for lunch time, Lowe Vokes has set the beginning of the event earlier this year to 11 a.m. Friday at the UWJC office in Newton.

“I’ve worked with Juan at Cocina Hernandez in Colfax with other events and they always do such a great job so the idea to include them was just a fun way to add something extra,” Lowe Vokes said. “Everyone can get lunch and they don’t have to choose between getting lunch or coming to the book sale. And every one loves tacos!”

The book sale is a two-day event. Friday’s sale will be open until 5 p.m. The taco truck will serve until 1:30 p.m. The book and bake sale will resume from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

As in year’s past, the book sale will feature gently used books listed for $1 a piece, unless otherwise marked. Lowe Vokes said there will be a wide range of genres to choose including mysteries, romance, cookbooks, children’s, best sellers, etc.

“The book sale is a great fundraiser for us because people generously donate their gently used books. We go through them and ensure they are not damaged and then put them on display in our office. Every book is a $1 unless marked so it is amazing at the end of the event to realize we sold hundreds of books,” Lowe Vokes said.

The event will also feature a bake sale, so for those who stop by for lunch can take dessert home. An assortment of homemade treats will be for sale for all those perusing the available novels up for grabs.

Lowe Vokes started the fundraiser in her first year as executive director. She wanted to host an event at the UWJC offices to allow people to become familiar with their location.

“It not only doubled as a fundraiser but it also helped people become more aware that we are here serving Jasper County,” she said. “My hope is that if they pop into the book sale it is the start of a relationship, so if they ever need services or want to volunteer or be part of other events we’ve already established a rapport.”

To find out more about the book and bake sale or for other UWJC upcoming fundraisers, visit its Facebook page facebook.com/UnitedWayofJasperCounty.

Contact Pam Pratt at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or pampratt@newtondailynews.com