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An Alternative Holiday Tradition in Woodinville
As an “alternative” to the commercialization of the season,
please come visit the 7th Annual Alternative Gift Fair on Saturday,
December 5th between 9 and 3:30pm at Northshore United Church of
Christ.
Last year, local “shoppers” raised $12,000 for local and
global nonprofit organizations (all proceeds go to the nonprofits, not the
church) in just one day. This year, the needs are greater and budgets are
slimmer.
Shoppers visit the booths of 15 nonprofits, talking with
staff about what they do 365 days a year. (That alone is a spirit-lifting
holiday activity!) If you find a favorite “cause” that would resonate with a
favorite teacher, coach, grandparent or coworker, your small donation brings a
gift-card describing exactly what the nonprofit will be able to do in that
person’s honor.
You can also buy actual gifts: The nonprofit Ten Thousand
Villages sets up a virtual store; and the ecumenical Church World Service also
sells handmade gifts. There’s a special “Giving Tree” for children (of all
ages!) where a small donation gives an ornament and/or card they can send to
grandparents, teachers, or anyone who’ll be touched by a small but heart-filled
gift.
Please come by
with your family and friends, and start your holiday season with a new
tradition. Saturday, December 5, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. at the Northshore United
Church of Christ, 18900 168th Ave NE, Woodinville. For directions and
a map to the church, click here.
Become a fan of the NUCC Alternative Gift Fair on Facebook!
View pictures from previous years
here.
Gift-giving
opportunities range from donations to local and national organizations, to items
specifically targeted to people in need. This years vendors include:
Camp to Belong-Camp To Belong Northwest continues our
incredible journey and dedication as we reunite brothers and sisters from the
Pacific Northwest who are placed in separate foster, adoptive or kinship homes
through our one of a kind Summer Camp Program.
http://www.camptobelong.org/northwest/index.php
Church of Mary Magdalene-is meant to be a welcoming and safe environment
where women and children can build community, enrich their days, and find
resources to improve their lives.
http://www.churchofmarymagdalene.org/
Church World Service-Church World Service works with partners to
eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world.
http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer
Eastside Domestic Violence Program-EDVP’s programs and services have
provided more than 100,000 victims of abuse with a path from domestic violence
to self-sufficiency.
http://www.edvp.org/
Friends of Youth-Since 1951, Friends of Youth has been helping young
people in challenging circumstances get their lives back on track.
http://www.friendsofyouth.org/default.aspx
HEIFER International-Heifer International is a non-profit organization
whose goal is to help end world hunger and poverty through self-reliance &
sustainability.
http://www.heifer.org/
Hopelink- Hopelink's mission is to promote self-sufficiency for all
members of our community; we help people make lasting change.
http://www.hope-link.org/
Humane Society- The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's
largest and most effective animal protection organization.
http://www.hsus.org/
Matthew House- Matthew House is an organization dedicated to assisting
the families of people incarcerated in Washington's prisons.
http://www.matthewhousemonroe.org/
Reading With Rover-Inspiring Children to discover the joy of reading
while developing literacy skills and confidence in a safe environment using
Reading with Rover Dogs.
http://www.readingwithrover.org/
Sibling House-Sibling House is a home where siblings in foster care can
stay together in a loving environment while separated from their birth parents.
http://www.siblinghouse.org/aboutus.aspx
The Sophia Way-The mission of The Sophia Way is to help end homelessness
in East King County, Washington, by providing supportive services, overnight
shelter, and one-bedroom apartments to women as they transition from
homelessness to permanent housing and an independent, stable life. Currently, we
are the only staffed overnight shelter for single adult women on the Eastside.
http://www.sophiaway.org/
Ten Thousand Villages-Your fair trade purchase of handmade jewelry, home
decor and gifts helps improve the lives of thousands of artisans in Asia,
Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/home.php
Tent City-Providing tents, tarps and blankets for the homeless.
http://www.mrsc.org/Subjects/Housing/tentcity/tentcity.aspx
Download this year's Alternative
Gift Fair Flyer.
Get the latest version of Adobe
Reader here.
Alternative
gifts are all tax deductible. Cash/checks or Visa/MasterCard will be accepted.
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