The Fleming Federated Youth Group is funding its next mission through tackiness.

Plastic pink flamingos are being placed in the yards of hopeful donors to the church group's July 28 trip to the Dominican Republic. When residents spot the long-legged birds on their lawns, they are greeted by a sign asking them for a donation and the name and address of someone whom the Fleming group can “flock” next.

“Most people think it's a great idea that's fun and a little shocking to them when they wake up or come home from work,” said Diane Saxton, the group's team leader.

Kate Dellonte, of 63 Mattie St., Auburn, returned home the afternoon of Wednesday, June 6 to find a flock of eight flamingos in her front yard.

“I was very surprised, I actually left them there so my mother could see,” Dellonte said.

A few of the 30 households the group has graced with the flamingos have been less than delighted by the sight of the birds, but all recipients have donated money.

So far, the fixture of campy homeowners across the United States has helped the Fleming Federated Church group collect funds to purchase 625 pairs of sneakers for The Lighthouse School on the Caribbean island. The footwear will be shipped across the sea in a large container next week.

“We want to make sure that each kid at the school has a brand new pair of sneakers, which is something that they've never had before,” Saxton said.

Twenty members of the group will then travel to the country to distribute the sneakers, along with school supplies such as desks and computers. The Fleming group will also assist with construction at the school and Bible instruction for the students.

They just might see a real pink flamingo too.

Staff writer David Wilcox can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net