Alternative Market Saturday

First Presbyterian Church will host its annual Alternative Christmas Market in the church’s Memorial Fellowship Hall on Saturday, Nov. 22. As in years past, the market will feature items from Ten Thousand Villages, Heifer Project International and a Food Sale with items prepared by church members.

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, 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,” said church member Jane Wheeler.

Items for sale include woven baskets, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, pottery, textiles, toys and much more.

Heifer International works with communities around the world to rid the world of hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. Wheeler said since 1944, Heifer has helped 9.2 million families in 125 countries move toward greater self-reliance through livestock, training and “passing on the gift.”

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 honey bees, rabbit and other farm animals, they give the gift that keeps on giving for a family and a village.
The food sale will offer many delicious baked items. Casseroles for the holiday, cakes, pies, cookies and other items baked from the kitchens of church members will be available. All proceeds from the food sale will be used in the church’s Community Christian Outreach programs.