Local Church Offers Gifts that Can Change the World

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2019
CONTACT: Beth DiPasquale, beth@uureston.org / 703-956-8155 x101

At the Alternative Gift Market, shoppers can purchase gifts such as $50 toward dental care for a local child in need.

At the Alternative Gift Market, shoppers can purchase gifts such as $50 toward dental care for a local child in need.

(Reston, VA) – The Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston (UUCR) will hold its 19th Alternative Gift Market and Craft Fair on Saturday, December 7. The event will take place in the UUCR Sanctuary, 1625 Wiehle Avenue, from 10:00am – 2:00pm.

At the Alternative Gift Market, shoppers purchase gifts for those in need through local and international charities. Shoppers receive a gift card and a card insert with a printed description about the project for which the donation has been made that they can give to others.

This year’s Alternative Gift Market is full of inspiring gift choices for  friends and family who do not need gifts that will gather dust in the closet but instead would be delighted to have a meaningful gift, such as a bike for a teacher in Africa or hot meals at a local homeless shelter, given in their name.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to put your faith into action and support your neighbors, both locally and globally,” said Rev. Dr. Debra W. Haffner, the minister at UUCR. “Since our first Alternative Gift Market in 2001, we have raised almost a half a million dollars for participating charities. It is a remarkable way to support people in our community and around the world.”

Gift choices include more than 60 gift options from 30 local and international organizations, including Cornerstones, FISH, Helping Hungry Kids, Kids R First, Friends of Homeless Animals, Lift Me Up, and Heifer International. The gifts are real and tangible; if you purchase a bike, someone receives one. Gifts range in price and scope; there is a Kids Shopping List with gift options starting at just $1. There will also be handmade, fair trade crafts for purchase.

New this year, participating charity Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) Foundation will be giving tours of their new “dental van” which serves Fairfax County. The rolling dental office provides access to dental screenings, cleanings and educational services for children where they live, attend school and participate in community activities.

More information on the Alternative Gift Market and participating charities can be found at www.UUReston.org/agm.

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The Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston was founded nearly 50 years ago to provide a voice for liberal religion that embraces all. It is a 21st Century beloved spiritual home, advancing equity and justice in the congregation and community.