Fireworks are sending Issaquah families across the globe this year, or at least money from selling the traditional July 4 entertainment is.

Issaquah Christian Church is holding the annual fundraiser to help send teenagers to Mexico to build homes for the poor and to send medical teams to Uganda and Haiti to help the poor.

Normally it would take about a year of bake sales and car washes, but this stand helps the church raise about $15,000 in just a week, said Pastor Brad Bromling.

While the trips aim at benefiting people globally, they also have a benefit to those who go, said Lynne Davis.

Davis has sent three of her children to Mexico, and plans to leave for the first time to Uganda on July 6.

The trips have helped her kids build a worldwide perspective and to realize how spoiled Americans are, but without the fireworks stand, they could never afford to go, she said.

The stand is loaded with what’s considered “safe” and “sane” fireworks. It has no explosives, but plenty of Roman candles, sprinklers and large fireworks that fill the sky.

Rows of neatly stacked screamers, flashers and fountains fill the tables alongside festive red, white and blue decorations.

A giant inflatable gunpowder barrel marks the spot.

For Davis, it’s about the people, she said. “I can’t wait to go there and show them that there are people who love and care about them here.”

IF YOU GO

Issaquah Christian Church

Sales 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., through July 4

10328 Issaquah-Hobart Rd. S.E., Issaquah