It doesn't take being a fairy godmother to believe a pumpkin patch can be more than leaves and orange gourds.

River Hills United Methodist Church (RHUMC) in Burnsville, Minnesota, knew a pumpkin patch did not simply have to be a sale: It could be a mission For more than 20 years, they have been hosting an annual pumpkin sale to raise funds for causes like mission trips, local charities and Feed My Starving Children.

"That’s the beautiful thing about FMSC — we can raise funds for our poorest of the poor neighbors across the world and can also send our members and youth to volunteer alongside our local neighbors and experience being the hands and feet of Christ. RHUMC loves FMSC,” said RHUMC Director of Family Ministries Seth Horstman.

Even the pumpkins themselves make a difference — they’re grown on a reservation in New Mexico, providing income and jobs to families. It makes a fundraiser like this even sweeter to have so many deserving beneficiaries.

Churches have a unique opportunity to collect donations and awareness for FMSC and other worthy causes like it. Creative fundraisers like this pumpkin patch allow churches to engage their congregations and communities.

Thank you, RHUMC, for all your support and dedication!

Need more inspiration? See how chickens and haircuts have helped feed kids!

You can start your creative fundraiser today! Set up your goal here.