Act Locally. Impact Globally - Second Annual Community Alternative Gift Market on November 8

The Gallatin Valley will hold its Second Annual Community Alternative Gift Market on November 8, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Christus Collegium (8th and College). The Alternative Gift Market is a wonderful opportunity to learn about projects around the world that relieve poverty and suffering.

Thirty projects (all tax deductible) range from Pay it Forward with Goats / Haiti, Help the Hungry & Homeless / USA & Canada, Help Kids Stay in School / Myanmar, Give Babies a Smile / China, Backpacks Full of Medicine / Burma are available through the partner, Alternative Gifts International.

An Alternative Gift is a real gift, given in honor of a friend, colleague, or family member. Just like traditional gifts, Alternative Gifts express love and affection, celebrate occasions, and show you care. A gift insert is provided for each gift purchased that explains in detail the gift given in the recipients honor.

Unlike traditional gifts, Alternative Gifts do not contribute to the consumer stream, they do not need to be dusted, they always fit, and they are the perfect color. Everyone is invited to shop alternatively by giving real gifts with real impact.

Harriet Prichard, the founder of Alternative Gifts International, said the idea started in 1980. “It was inspired by children who wanted to give important gifts to their parents, but they didn’t have any money,” Prichard said. “I suggested they give something to children around the world. “Instead of buying holiday gifts, the children pooled what little money they had to buy school supplies for children in Bangladesh.

           For more project details, go to alternativegifts.org. For further information locally you can email Nancy at nancylande@gmail.com or call her at 585-0996. If you miss this local event and would still like to participate (through out the year) go to http://alternativegifts.org./projects