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Gift market's benefits reach around the globe
BY BECCY TANNER
Marilyn Harp has been involved with almost all of the annual Wichita Alternative Christmas Markets, and they have become an annual tradition for her family.
"You go once and then you love it," said Harp, this year's co-chairwoman. "It has been a real joy to work with."
Now in its 11th year, the market has become one of the top funding sources for Alternative Gifts International, a nonprofit group that publishes a catalog each year of charities around the world with specific needs.
Last year's market raised $35,000 with 22 area churches participating. More than 350 shoppers participated.
This year's market is Nov. 12 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 5002 E. Douglas.
Harp said people attending the market can choose from a variety of local, national and international charities and donate as much or as little as they like.
This isn't your typical gift market, Harp said. Shoppers make donations that, in turn, help refugees, orphans, farmers, the disabled, the sick, the homeless and even the environment.
For instance, marketgoers can buy AIDS counseling for a woman in Kenya, a wheelchair for a person in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an ox for a farmer or even eye surgery for a villager.
The market will feature 44 booths for shoppers to choose from.
"People can make contributions in honor of loved ones...," said Paul Holt, whose wife, Eliese, is helping organize the event. "Let's say you give $50 to pay for medical care in Pakistan and you send your loved one a card saying to honor them you've given a gift to this project. I like the idea that it encourages gifts at Christmas that are meaningful. A person doesn't need a TV in the same way somebody is needing eye surgery in Nepal."
Donors will receive gift cards and tree ornaments to send to family and friends, Harp said.
The idea for the alternative gifts began more than two decades ago, when Harriet Prichard, the founder of Alternative Gifts International, started a market in her church in Pasadena, Calif.
Since then, more than 400 alternative-gift markets have sprung up nationally, the largest in Wichita. Two years ago, the national organization moved its headquarters to Wichita.
"The kind of response it has had in Wichita has helped it grow into a national organization," Harp said.
Harp said there is no admission fee to the market and shoppers can buy lunch while browsing through the booths.
IF YOU GO
WICHITA ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET
What: An alternative-gift market for shoppers to help fill charitable needs around the world. Shoppers choose causes they'd like to donate to.
Where: Grace Presbyterian Church, 5002 E. Douglas
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12
How much: Free
For more information, go to http://members.cox.net/altgiftmkt/index.htmcqwww:members.cox.net/altgiftmkt or call Paul or Eliese Holt,cq 650-1357.cq
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