November 1, 2006 (Baltimore, MD) - 'Grace-gifting' eBay Auction Enters Its Second Year

Last February, 66 Lutheran health and human services organizations from across the country raised almost $62,000 through the Trading Graces Online Auction. This first-time fund-raising effort was the largest single offering of listed items in eBay's history, and the proceeds helped people in need served by one of 300 Lutheran social ministry organizations throughout the country.

For a second year, Lutheran social ministry organizations are collecting, pricing, tagging, and photographing items for online auctions starting February 25, 2007. Through "Trading Graces" people can trade some of the grace God has given them to help others in need.

"Trading Graces is an action that anyone can take," says John Carter, Trading Graces Event Manager. "It's 'grace-gifting', and works as people take things from their storehouse of God's gifts and use them to help someone else. Last year we had 2,200 items in our auction. This year we're hoping to top that with more quality merchandise to be exchanged to support good works," he adds.

"Trading Graces is founded on the ideal that everyone has something to give," says Jill Schumann, president of Lutheran Services in America, the sponsor of the auction. "This online auction allows people to purchase with a social conscience, knowing that the gifts they buy - for themselves or others - will help people in need."

Organizations are seeking jewelry, antiques and collectibles, coin collections, vintage clothing and toys, sports memorabilia, and musical instruments for the auction.

So far, Lutheran social ministry organizations from California to New York and Michigan to Texas are collecting donations for the auction. For a preview of the collection, go to www.ebay.com/tradinggraces.