The 2018 Empty Bowls fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Bay School Community Arts Center on Main Street in Mathews.

Close to 300 handmade pottery bowls are ready to be filled this year, said a press release. Crafted by professional artisans and novice volunteers, they will be filled with an assortment of soups, accompanied by breads and cookies, all for the price of $15 per bowl.

A cooperative effort of the Bay School, Hands Across Mathews and the Bay Ceramics Guild, the fundraiser hopes to fill the local food bank and provide holiday meals to those in need, said the release. The program has grown in impact each year over the past five years, raising $4,120 in 2017 and aiming for $4,500 this year.

All proceeds go directly to Hands Across Mathews, according to the release. Not only do participants get a hearty lunch of soup and bread, but they can take home  their hand-crafted bowls, which are included in the  ticket price.

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