By ASHLEY INGE
TheFlashToday.com
STEPHENVILLE (December 11, 2018) –The First United Methodist Church Stephenville (FUMC) is hosting an Alternative Gift Fair on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the FUMC Fellowship Hall.
The Alternative Gift Fair will feature unique, handmade items from local crafters and the fair-trade market. Fair-trade items are ethically made from small-scale artisans, co-ops, non-profits and farmers from over 40 different developing countries helping marginalized people break free from cycles of poverty.
“It helps those people that live in poverty and helps them break that cycle because they’re providing income for themselves and their families,” said Melissa Castleberry, the family minister director at FUMC.
There will be several various items at the fair including baskets, ornaments, jewelry, kids’ toys, nativity scenes, crosses, greeting and birthday cards, scarves, headbands and more.
“We’ve been doing this for a couple of years. We’re just trying to expand and make it more accessible for the community,” Castleberry said.
Castleberry encourages people to come for “the unique items” and to “support the small crafters and support our fair-trade crafters.” She says it’s also “an opportunity to support our local missions.”
All proceeds will benefit local missions and fair-trade vendors. Some include: Meals on Wheels, School Supply Project, CASA, HOPE, Love Thy Neighbor, Oakdale UMC, Heifer Project and more.
“They’ve very unique, fun items. It’s kind of hard to believe that people actually make this stuff because they’re absolutely beautiful. Lots of detail, lots of work, a lot of time and a lot of creativity goes into these items,” Castleberry said.
For more information about the Alternative Gift Fair, visit www.fumcstephenville.org.
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