Pumpkin Sales Help Change Lives in Roswell

The Pumpkins and fall decorations that are currently on sale through Halloween at  do more than just provide seasonal decor for your home, or a fun holiday project for the kids - they help local at-risk teens get the mentorship they need to stay in school.

By selling the fall staple, Bridge to Grace is raising money for Project LIFT, a non-profit organization that provides local students at Centennial High School and Holcomb Bridge Middle School with a mentoring program that gives participants a "personal mentor to help them improve their academic performance and enhance their abilities to withstand daily challenges as a teen," according to the Project LIFT website.

Project LIFE students meet with mentors and fellow peers once weekly during the school year to work on personal goals, academics and life skills development.

Since its inception during 2010, the program has helped dozens of students. Organizers have made it their goal to continue growing so they may help more local students make it through high school to graduation.

The pumpkin patch is open daily until Oct. 31. During the last two weekends of October, a carnival-like atmosphere will add to the seasonal atmosphere. Free face painting and balloons and a children's maze will be available. Additionally, pumpkin shoppers will have a chance to enter a drawing for an iPad.

For more information about Project LIFT, go online. Pumpkins from the same supplier are also for sale at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, 10950 Bell Road.

The pumpkin patch hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 am. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Bridge to Grace Church is located at 2385 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell.