FLDS launches Internet store to raise funds for legal fees

FLDS launches Internet store to raise funds for legal fees

At the newest enterprise launched by an embattled polygamous sect you can buy wishing wells in small, medium, large - and “Texas size.”

The wooden wells, intended to be used as yard decorations, are among dozens of handicrafts members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are offering on a newly launched Web site.

The Internet store, fldscrafts.com, is the second online business for the FLDS, who plan to use profits to help support families and pay legal bills.

“We are very blessed but money is very, very tight,” said Maggie Jessop, whose children were among those taken as part of what turned out to be the largest child welfare investigation in U.S. history.

Texas authorities raided the sect’s Yearning For Zion Ranch in April and took 439 children into custody. They were returned to their parents after two months.

Most of their mothers moved into apartments across the state and many are still living away from the ranch, Jessop said.

“This is something we put together so mothers involved with [Child Protective Services] would have a way to help bring in income,” she said. “Many FLDS people are contributing and donating items from all over Texas and Short Creek.”

That is the historical name for the twin towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz., where 6,000 to 8,000 FLDS members live.

In June, the sect created a clothing Web site, fldsdress.com, that featured its conservative fashions. The FLDS women and girls wear distinctive, solid-colored dresses that cover their bodies from ankle-to-wrist; men and boys wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Initially, the site was created so the sect could supply Texas officials with appropriate clothing for children while they were in custody. That site will be merged with the handicraft store.

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