LEARN MORETo learn more about Signal Crest United Methodist Church, located at 1005 Ridgeway Ave., visit the church website. To learn more about the event, contact the church at 886-2330.
Candy and costumes may be on the brain of most citizens, by Signal Crest United Methodist Church is getting in the Christmas spirit early.
It will hold an alternative Christmas fair titled Presents with Purpose Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the new Crest Center. Community members are welcome to come and shop to benefit local nonprofits.
"Presents with Purpose is an opportunity for us all to make a difference in the life of someone else during the Christmas season," said Signal Crest UMC director of missions and Outreach Kelley Woodard.
"Instead of shopping at the mall or online, come to Presents with Purpose and buy gifts from local and national fair trade and nonprofit organizations. Money from each of the sales will be returned to the artisan or go toward a fund that is used to better lives around the world."
Blue Nile Trader Coffee is just one example of the kinds of items that will be sold. It is roasted by women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who are supporting their children. It is $11 per pound and Woodard said it is "some of the best coffee there is."
Patrons at the event will also have the option to buy Rubble Wear jewelry created form the walls of an orphanage in Haiti that was destroyed in the earthquake. She said the proceeds will be used for orphan care and rebuilding the center.
Another shopping option in the Crest Center that day will be a Hart Gallery booth. Woodard said it is a local gallery that supports the artwork of people who are currently homeless. Money is used for the purchase of more art supplies and support for the artist.
Patrons can also purchase a wreath from Young Life, which uses proceeds to send children to summer camp.
Shoppers can also support two fair trade organizations, Go Fish Clothing and SERRV. Both pay artisans all over the world for their wares, enabling people to support their families.
Donations will be accepted for the St. Andrews Center and the Bethlehem Center, both local organizations that work with kids in the inner city, providing hope and a future for many. Shoppers can also donate to the Transformation Group that offers love, support and meals for people on parole for nonviolent crimes, or to Toms Shoes that provides children with no shoes a pair of new shoes for each pair sold.
Signal Mountain Social Services, Signal Crest UMC Library, Kate Warren Bicycle Jewelry, Casa Hogar, Heifer International, the Tennessee Aquarium, Signal Crest Preschool and United Methodist Women Entertainment Books will all have booths at Presents with Purpose too.
"Presents with Purpose is open for anyone to come shop," said Woodard. "Please consider helping someone that is in need this year by buying gifts that will truly make a difference in the life of someone else."