Charity League Atlantic County making big holiday impact with tiny threads, sparkling sequins
For nearly eight decades, the Charity League Atlantic County has turned tiny pieces of felt, thread and sequins into big support for local children and families. This year, the pressure is on more than ever.
The group's beloved Christmas Mart, typically a two-day event, is being condensed into one day only. While that might rattle some organizers, the women behind the Charity League's signature collectible pins are calm, focused and letting their technique do the talking.
"Every sequin is put on individually," one member said.
For months leading up to the Mart, volunteers gather around long tables in near silence, carefully stitching each piece by hand.
"It takes anywhere from an hour and a half to two [hours]," another said. "Some people are fast sequiners, some people are slower."
What begins as a small pile of supplies — felt, needles, thread and shimmering sequins — becomes a tiny work of art. One longtime member calls her favorite design "elegant, and it goes with a lot of things."
On average, the team produces about 5,000 pins a year.
The pins are more than pretty accessories. The Charity League has been hosting its Christmas Mart for more than 75 years, raising money for local children, families and community programs. With federal and state funding shrinking, members say the need is only growing.
"It's very important. With federal and state funding being cut, this is very significant to the social service agencies," one volunteer said.
Each pin sells for $25, and last year the League raised more than $130,000, selling out of their one-of-a-kind designs. Many families treat the pins as heirlooms.
"Mothers and daughters have bought the pins for years," one shopper said.
Another proudly noted, "I have 32 pins that I've collected so far."
A friend chimed in: "I have about 43."
There is, however, one big secret: this year's theme.
Ask what it is, and you'll hit a festive brick wall.
"Oh, what was the theme for this year's pin?" one woman asked with a smile. "Now you know I can't tell you that. That's a surprise."
The design isn't revealed until shoppers walk into the Mart. The pin you see in photos now is actually last year's style — today's visit is simply to watch the craftsmanship up close.
"I like when it's finished — it looks really nice," one member said.
Another added, "The handwork, you don't find that today very often."
Beyond the pins, visitors can shop for homemade cakes, breads and Christmas ornaments — another fast-growing favorite. Volunteers have already started work on the 2026 collection, but they'll only tease that this year's theme is something all ages will love.
The Charity League's 78th annual Christmas Mart will be held Friday.