Fair Trade Items

One good alternative for Christmas gifts are fair trade items. These are hand-crafted items made by individuals in low-income areas of the world, bought from them for a fair price which then allows them to earn a fair wage. Several small cottage industries have been set-up because of this program. The items are usually well made and beautiful.

Each year, our church hosts a fair trade fair on a Sunday morning. A local business who specializes in fair trade items comes and sets them up. Our members than buy things from them before and after our services. This gives them an easy opportunity to support someone in need while getting some Christmas shopping done.

Here in the Kentucky Bluegrass area there are two shops who carry these items year round. The first one is Lucia's Boutique which is located at 523 East High Street. Here is a link to their store: http://www.luciasboutique.com/events.html  They are the ones who set up at our church. The other store is Peace Crafts which is located in Berea at 307 Chestnut Street. Here is a link to their website: http://www.peacecraftinberea.org/

If you do not live in the bluegrass region, there is a mail order business online called SERRV international. Here is a link to their website: http://www.serrv.org/

Check out these great organizations and shops when you get a chance. They make great alternative gifts  and support someone directly who is trying to support themselves and their families.

If you live here locally, stop by our church on Sunday (November 21) from 9:30-1. It is Word of Hope Lutheran and is located on the corner of Man O' War and Armstrong Mill Roads. Hope to see you there.