REEDSVILLE — The Christmas season will soon be underway with many holiday traditions. Searching for the perfect gift for loved ones and friends can be difficult while decorating and planning for the season.

A unique gift-giving idea has become a tradition at East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church in Reedsville. This year marks the 14th annual alternative gift fair, an event that has raised significant funds for several non-profit organizations.

Patrons make a donation in the name of an honoree to a specific organization to help the cause. The donor receives a card with the individual’s name that can be presented as a gift.

Jene Mertz, committee chairperson for the gift exchange, explains the origin of the event to put Christmas in a proper perspective.

“This all came about after an Advent study, ‘Whose Birthday Is It Anyway?'” Mertz said. “It is a great way to honor the holidays without the commercialism.”

Through the first 13 years, the gift fair has raised more than $92,000 to benefit many non-profit groups, both local and national.

“We want to emphasize the spiritual aspect of Christmas as opposed to the commercial,” Mertz said.

Prior to the pandemic, the fair was an in-person event. In recent years, the church has gone online with donations.

“In prior years there had been a gathering where people would meet with the organizations,” Mertz said. “The non-profit organization would have a representative present and people could ask questions and make a donation.”

Beginning Monday, Nov. 21, those who would like to make a donation can visit eastkish.org to download a form.

Mertz and other organizers hope this year’s fair will push the donation total above $100,000.

“Those who have donated in the recent past will be receiving letters,” Mertz said. “The fair gives people a chance to donate to groups they care about.”

For more information about the East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church alternative gift fair, visit eastkish.org.