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2023 alternative gift fair participants
• The Abuse Network
• Building Up the Baumgardners
• Central PA World Hunger Association
• EKPC Blessing Box
• Habitat for Humanity
• Heifer International
• Hollidaysburg Veterans
• Home Activities Fund
• Krislund Camp Scholarship Fund
• Lumina Center
• Mifflin Co. Historical Society
• Mifflin-Juniata Pet Food Pantry
• Mifflin-Juniata Energy Bank
• Milroy-Reedsville Meals On Wheels
• Mother Hubbard's Cupboard
• Reedsville Volunteer Fire Co.
• Rescue Our Furry Friends
• Shelter Services, Inc.
• Smile Train
From Staff Reports
REEDSVILLE -- The Season is upon us. Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Some people do not want or need another gift. The solution? Make a donation in their name to a nonprofit organization that reflects their interests and passions.
The 15th annual Alternative Gift Fair (AGF) has been run by the East Kish Presbyterian Church in Reedsville for the past 14 years Through the generous giving of those in the community, the fair has been able to issue over $100,000 to local charities as well as some national and international groups. All of the funds -- 100% -- is distributed to the varied organizations.
"For the community, it's an opportunity to give a meaningful gift to the person who says they don't need any more "stuff", to make a gift in memory of a loved one, to try to cut back on the stress of the commercialization of Christmas, or simply to consolidate year-end giving to many groups all in one place," AGF organizer, Jene Mertz, said. "We try to make it simple. Just go to the web site eastkish.org, print the donor form, fill it out and mail it to East Kish Presbyterian Church. We'll send you a card(s) to give that lets your recipient know you donated in their honor."
"The non-profit groups appreciate the AGF because we support the work that they are doing to make our community better," Mertz continued. "It's a shame that often the folks who are doing good things are also the folks who have to raise the funds to continue those good works. So we try to help them in that way."
The spirit and generosity of many people also help the cause.
"People of this community have been wonderfully supportive of the Alternative Gift Fair," Mertz said. "More than half of our yearly donations come from folks who do not attend East Kish Presbyterian Church. That tells us that the idea of "Alternative Gifts" is appealing to many people. In the 14 years that the church has been holding the Alternative Gift Fair, over $101,500 has been donated to participating organizations. Folks in this community respond when they see a need."
The goal for 2023?
"Last year we raised $9,300, one of our best years yet," Mertz said. "That averages out to a little over $500 for each participating group, although some received more and some less. It would be wonderful to meet or exceed that total again."
How it works:
Visit the website (www.eastkish.org) and explore nonprofit missions.
Print the form.
Choose the organizations and amounts you would like to donate.
Write one check.
Mail form and check by Dec 15 (meeting this deadline will ensure delivery by Dec. 25).
In return, you will receive specially-designed cards to distribute and an explanation of where the donation is going.
The exact total raised by the AGF in its previous 14 years is $101,533.65.
For more information about the Alternative Gift Fair, contact East Kish Presbyterian Church by calling (717) 667-6366 or visiting https://www.eastkish.org/.