Alternative Gift Fair

What do you buy the person who has everything? How about a goat, a colony of honeybees, or a beautiful handmade craft?

The Advent season is filled with many warm traditions, and one of those traditions at Downers Grove First United Methodist Church is the Alternative Gift Fair. Many of you are familiar with the beautiful crafts handmade by the artisans of the UPAVIM (United for a Better Life) cooperative in Guatemala. These are gifts that give twice - first, your family and friends will enjoy receiving these lovely items.  Second, you will also be empowering the women of La Esperanza in Guatemala City by giving them an opportunity to improve the quality of life for themselves and for their families through access to education, employment opportunities, daycare services for their children, health care services, and programs for personal and professional development.  Choose from a large selection of colorful bags, scarves, Christmas ornaments, kitchen accessories, jewelry, and more.

Through Heifer International, you can also purchase livestock to help families around the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant. You’ll receive a special greeting card to share with the person(s) whom you honor through this donation.

Best of all, you’ll be able to check off a few more names on your holiday gift-giving list while making a difference in our world. What a perfect way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!

Please come visit us in the parlor after each service during the Advent season.