REEDSVILLE - A Reedsville church is offering unique gifts that allow buyers to give twice.
The third annual Alternative Gift Fair at the East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church provides an opportunity for shoppers to both give a meaningful gift to someone special and to donate money to an organization at the same time.
"This is the perfect opportunity to share in the joy of the season and give back to the community," said Susan Burns, who regularly gives gifts from the fair.
Rather than taking huge plates of cookies to neighbors and friends, Burns said her family now gives a small plate of Christmas treats and a gift card from the fair with a donation made in that person's name.
They try to match friends' interests to area organizations, Burns said. For example, they made a donation to the Mifflin County Library for friend who is a teacher, she said.
The Alternative Gift Fair will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4, with a food stand opening at noon at the church, located at the top of the hill in Reedsville.
When shoppers arrive, they will receive a checklist with the names of all the organizations represented at the fair. They may walk around the organizations' informational booths before deciding on their donations.
On the sheets, shoppers can note how much they want to give to each organization and if the donation will be given as a gift to more than one person. For each donation gift, the shopper will receive a card with the name of the organization to give to the recipient. Shoppers may write one check for their entire donation.
The organizations are both local and national. Representatives from the following groups will be at the fair: Shelter Services, Mifflin-Juniata United Way, Mifflin County Library, Habitat for Humanity, Smile Train, Crossroads Pregnancy Center, Mifflin County 4-H, Santa's Bookbag, Reedsville-Milroy Meals on Wheels, Reedsville Volunteer Fire Co., Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, Rescue Our Furry Friends, L.U.M.I.N.A. Center, Abuse Network and Heifer International.
The fair gives shoppers the chance to meet the people who work for these organizations every day and to hear about the services they provide in this community, Burns said.
"This is not about not giving loved ones a gift under the tree," Burns said. "It's the perfect way to give back to the community."
New this year, shoppers who cannot make the fair have the
opportunity to purchase gift donations online at www.eastkish.org, said Cassie Campbell, one of the organizers.
Also during the fair, Equal Exchange will sell coffees, teas and chocolates. The organization eliminates the middle man so more money goes directly back to the farmer, Campbell said.
In previous years, the gift fair has generated thousands of dollars for the organizations that participated.
"If anyone is looking for something that touches a loved one's heart, you'll find it here," Campbell said.
