Downtown Merchants Plan Fundraiser for Japan

Doylestown shopkeepers tend to collectively hold their breaths when the calendar for Central Bucks School District shows an early dismissal.

The onslaught of kids coming into town can be formidable, even for the hardiest of souls.

But this Friday, certain merchants are hoping to turn that invasion into something positive.

About eight downtown shops are offering games, crafts or special treats to students ages 5 and older who come into their stores between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Proceeds collected will then be donated to the American Red Cross for its efforts in aiding the tsunami victims in Japan.

While the idea itself is laudable, the effort behind the idea is literally fun and games.

“It’s just a fun thing for people to do, and bring their kids with them,” said Ellen Mager, one of the Doylestown Business and Community Alliance merchants involved.

Children’s Bookstore & Gallery at the rear of 42 E. State Street is offering a Lady Bug Girl Party and Craft at 2 p.m. The cost: $3 or three tickets.

Shoppers can purchase tickets ($1 per ticket or 11 for $10) at Booktenders’ or at and , both on East State Street; all three shops are participating in Friday's event.

Those tickets then can be used at additional stores involved in the event. They are Monkey’s Uncle, and all on East State Street; at State and Main streets; and on West Oakland Avenue.

Don’t worry if you don’t buy tickets ahead of time. Merchants will take your cash for each store special, too. In fact, if you’d like to donate more, that’s even better.

For information on what each store is offering, click on the photo gallery with this story and check out the pdf file.