Published: November 07, 2009 07:23 pm      

Alternative Christmas Market set Nov. 20

ADA – First Presbyterian Church of Ada is hosting its annual Alternative Christmas Market Friday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. inside East Central University Student Union (North Lounge).

Alternative Christmas Market is filled with unique gift ideas designed to delight the recipient and help those less fortunate in the world experience better lives.

“When you purchase a gift through the Alternative Christmas Market, you are building partnerships with the world’s oppressed people and helping preserve the Earth’s threatened environments,” said Jill Acree, a First Presbyterian Church member.

Some of the gift ideas found at the Alternative Christmas Market will have direct and immediate impacts on the lives of others, according to event sponsors. For example, the purchase of building materials can be used to repair homes or food purchased for hungry families. Clean water can be provided to people in Third World countries. For as little as $1, a gift can help save the world’s natural resources.

Those with gifts purchased in their honor will receive a card telling them about the gift.

Shoppers searching for something they can wrap up will find plenty to choose from at the Alternative Christmas Market. The fair-trade organization 10,000 Villages – which specializes in one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items from around the globe – will once again offer a stunning variety of gift items including jewelry, home décor, and other collectibles.

Ada’s Alternative Christmas Market is one of more than 300 doing business this holiday season. Schoolteacher Harriet Prichard, whose original idea was to teach children about helping needy people around the world, developed the concept in 1980.

Sponsors say all donations through the purchase of Alternative Christmas Market are tax-deductible.

For more information on the Alternative Christmas Market, contact First Presbyterian Church office at (580) 332-3073.