‘Tis the season for giving. Each year the women of First Presbyterian Church in Hartsville provide the community an opportunity to give a gift during the Christmas season that keeps on giving.
Through the Annual Alternative Market held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the church’s fellowship hall, residents can purchase items from Ten Thousand Villages and the Heifer Project International that have a far-reaching, lasting effect on people in third-world countries. There will also be a food sale with items prepared by church members. All the proceeds will be used for the church’s Community Christians Outreach programs.
Jane Wheeler, one of the church women helping to organize the Alternative Market, said they have been doing this project for about 10 years, and it has been very successful. All of the proceeds from Ten Thousand Villages and the Heifer Project are given back.
“We don’t keep any of the money,” Wheeler said.
Last year, First Presbyterian raised $6,586.30 for Ten Thousand Villages.
Wheeler said that Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade organization with more than 100 groups in more than 30 countries in Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. By offering handmade items to the public, she said the skilled artisans in these third world countries earn a respectable living while keeping their crafts and culture alive.
“Come immerse yourself in a world of colors, textures, aromas, flavors and sound,” Wheeler said.
Items for sale include woven baskets, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, pottery, textiles, toys and more.
Wheeler said that Heifer International works with communities around the world to rid the world of hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. Since 1944, Heifer has helped more than nine million families in 125 countries become more self-reliant.
Last year the church helped Heifer International by raising $5,093 during its one-day market.
By providing animals and training, Heifer enables families to overcome poverty and make lasting improvements in their quality of life. When the public purchases or shares the purchase of a pig, sheep, goat, chicken, hive of bees, rabbit or other farm animal, they give a gift that keeps on giving for a family and a village. As baby animals are born, they are shared with others.
This year’s food sale will offer many delicious baked items, including casseroles, cakes, pies, cookies and other baked items from the kitchens of church members. Last year they raised about $500 to $600 to support the church’s Community Christians Outreach programs.
Wheeler said now is the time to stock up for the holidays.
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