A cup of joe can go a long way. Ask the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God in Whitehall, who are hoping it provides a wake-up call to the supporters they depend on to continue their ministry.

A special blend coffee sale will highlight Saturday's fourth annual spring fling scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Motherhouse on a 33-acre campus at 3603 McRoberts Road.

The order's own "Franciscan Blend," a 12-ounce bag of a medium blend signature coffee, will be available for sampling and purchase as a continuing fund-raiser for the religious order.

Nick Rodi, director of development, used his creative talents to brew the concept and design the marketing package.

"The idea was well received by the sisters," he said, joking that their fondness for the popular beverage "will probably make them one of our best customers."

The private-label coffee will be provided by the Arbuckle's Coffee Co. in Verona, a 15-year-old company that, according to Steve Moore, vice president of operations, sells almost a million pounds of coffee annually across the nation in grocery outlets and to various organizations.

Arbuckle's has a contract with the O'Neill Coffee Co. in West Middlesex to roast the coffee beans.

Mr. Rodi, who came to the order two years ago after a 30-year carer in advertising, had done work for Arbuckle's and approached Mr. Moore with the find-raising idea.

"I thought it was a neat idea and a wonderful package design," Mr. Moore said, adding that it was the first such label Arbuckle's had done. He expected that other private-label efforts would follow. He promises the coffee will be "as fresh as you can get."

The coffee is purchased from Honduras and is a certified organic and a fair trade item. Fair trade importers benefit coffee farmers' cooperatives and help guarantee that farmers receive a fair price, which leads to improved living conditions and improved quality of lives.

Sister J. Lora Dambroski, the USA provincial minister for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God, said the fund-raising effort is a win-win situation. The sister is the president elect of the 1,500-member Leadership Conference of Women Religious and a supporter of the fair trade movement.

"It's a way to do outreach and consciousness-raising in an attractive manner. We assist the farmers, and we in turn receive help for our ministries," she said.

Coffee sales will provide financial support for various ministry programs, including an on-site daycare center, a retreat center, as well as other pastoral and parish services.

It is expected that some funds will be used to help defray the costs of caring for almost a dozen elderly and infirm members of the order who reside in Assisi Hall.

The religious order, based in Whitehall for more than 85 years, has 44 of the total 71 members serving in the United States, Brazil and Lithuania. Most of its members have reached retirement age; their average age is 80.

The coffee, which sells for $10.99 for 12 ounces, can be purchased online from the St. Francis Web site, www.osfprov.org or from forms that can be copied and mailed. Those attending the spring fling will receive a $1 discount.

The order hopes to sell 2,000 packages this year.

The spring fling flea market, craft sale, book sale and food fest hosted by the sisters will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 3603 McRoberts Road. Outdoor vendor space applications will be accepted until event day, for $10. Call 412-885-7232.