Shoppers at Monroe gift fair can help community
Published 8:21 pm Friday, December 11, 2009
Gretchen Wilson has an idea for those who are wondering what to get that difficult-to-shop-for person on their list this year. She thinks they’ll find something different at the second annual Alternative Gift Fair today at Morning Star Lutheran Church in Monroe.
“People will have the opportunity to shop for some really neat handcrafted gifts that they can then put under the tree knowing they shopped for a very good cause,” she said. “Sometimes you can find a really meaningful gift this way.”
The fair is a chance for people to learn about 17 local and national charities and contribute to their causes by purchasing items or making donations on the behalf of loved ones, she said.
The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is also part of the church Christmas party. Church members will sing, play instruments and perform skits from 1 to 4 p.m. to celebrate Christmas at the church. Homemade pie and soup will be on sale.
“It’s a chance to have a lot of fun together during the day and it’s also a gift to the community because we wanted to give the community an alternative to shopping at big-box stores,” Wilson said.
She started the Alternative Gift Fair in the basement of the church last year. As a volunteer with Heifer International, an organization that provides livestock for needy people around the world, she was familiar with the concept of alternative gift fairs taking place in Seattle. She wanted one to happen closer to home in Monroe, so she decided to organize the fair at her church.
Redmond resident Mickey Stuart is happy she did.
She heard about the fair at Morning Star Lutheran from Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Academy in Woodinville, where her 12-year-old autistic son, J.T., is part of a program. The money she raises will go toward getting a specially trained dog from 4 Paws For Ability to help her son’s behavior. She made cards with paw prints on the front for donors who give a gift on another’s behalf.
“I printed out cards to say this was given in your name so people can send them out,” she said, “I really wanted to be a part of this (fair). Every penny helps.”
Representatives from the Brown Bag Brigade, a group that makes lunches for the needy in Monroe; Equal Exchange Coffee and Chocolate; Heifer International; Matthew House; Little Bit Therapuetic Riding Academy; Sky Valley and Sultan Food Banks; and other organizations will also be part of the fair.
Last year’s fair raised $5,000 among 15 charities, Wilson said. She expects space will be a little tighter this year with 17 charities but said the overall goal of the event is the same.
“I hope we raise plenty of money for all those charities coming and I hope everyone has fun celebrating Christmas as well,” she said.
Amy Daybert: 425-339-3491, adaybert@heraldnet.com.
You’re invited
The Alternative Gift Fair is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Morning Star Lutheran Church, 338 S. Lewis St., Monroe.
Live holiday music will be playing from 1 to 4 p.m.
