SHOP THE WORLD -ALL IN ONE PLACE

NOVEMBER 2, 2025

9:00 am to 1:00 pm

wesley hall

Tired of the Christmas shopping rush?

Looking for a way to shop with PURPOSE? 

We've got a solution.


Check out the Alternative Gift Fair 2025, a long running annual event, coming up this year on November 2nd.


More than a dozen vendors representing non-profit groups, fair trade organizations and various ministries provide thousands of items for you to browse and buy. 


Every single gift purchased delivers a double dose of good by supporting a mission and/or ministry and bringing joy to the person you are gifting. 


Hope to see you here on November 2nd and be sure and help spread the word. 


SCROLL DOWN FOR THE VENDOR LIST

2025

participating vendors

Below you will find the organizations selling items at this year's Alternative Gift Fair. 

Remember, your purchases support organizations that are helping others.  

  • HELP REFUGEES IN OUR COMMUNITY

    Bridge Refugee Services has been welcoming people in East Tennessee since 1982.  The organization's mission is to provide opportunities for refugees to rebuild their lives after suffering persecution so that they may become productive, contributing members of the community. 


    LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIDGE

  • help make mental health care affordable

    The idea for Compassion Counseling came from members of 1st UMC more than a decade ago.  Now located inside 1st UMC @ Sycamore Tree, this organization works to make mental health counseling and education affordable for all.  Buying items from CC will go directly to this non-profit organization to continue and expand its services. 


    LEARN MORE ABOUT CC

  • help people dealing with dementia

    The Daybreak Respite program exists for Christian disciples to serve families tasked with continual care for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other form of dementia. 


    Daybreak serves as a place providing social, physical, and intellectual stimulation for participants while providing a respite and support for caregivers and those who need to work. 

  • give a child a home

    Family Promise of Blount County works with local families experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to have a community where every child has a home!!  


    During the Alternative Gift Fair you will have a chance to support Family Promise by purchasing candles along with ornaments decorated by the children in the program.


    LEARN MORE ABOUT FAMILY PROMISE OF BLOUNT COUNTY


  • GIVE INDEPENDENCE

    The GATE will be offering handmade items and Christmas ornaments made by the clients. 


    All of the money donated during Christmas season sales will be utilized towards program enrichment for the 50+ adults with disabilities currently served by The GATE's day program.


    Learn more about The Gate

  • give assistance to

    neighbors in crisis

    Good Neighbors offers help to neighbors in need who are facing eviction or utility disconnection. 


    During the AGF  you will be able to purchase the Good Neighbors blend coffee (already wrapped for gifting). Through your generosity, Good Neighbors can fulfill its mission to provide assistance, offer hope and empower our neighbors through one on one coaching and referral.   


    Learn more about Good Neighbors

  • Give to help animals

    The mission and purpose of the Humane Society of East Tennessee is to promote the welfare of animals, to strengthen the human-animal bond and to further the cause of responsible animal adoption and ownership through education and public awareness. 


    The Society actively promotes kindness, the elimination of cruelty to and neglect of all animals, and the lifelong commitment of people to their pets. 


    During this year's Alternative Gift Fair, the Humane Society will bring in cats for adoption. 



    LEARN ABOUT THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF EAST TENNESSEE


  • support afghan families

    Recently arrived from Afghanistan, Khatya creates accessories from up-cycled silk ties and costume jewelry.  No two items are alike, they are delightfully creative and perfect for an outing to sport your own unique style!

  • GIVE LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES

    The Maryville Lions Club will be here selling a variety of items including: 

    • Small pottery items
    • Christmas Crafts
    • Baskets
    • Christmas Creches
    • Jewelry
    • Pecans

    All proceeds assist the group in their endeavors as part of an international service organization. 


    LEARN MORE ABOUt lions club, international

  • GIVE TO palestinian farmers

    This non-profit social enterprise assists Holy Land olive farmers by distributing Palestinian extra virgin, organic, fair-trade olive oil in Tennessee and around the Southeastern U.S. 


    The oil is flavorful, delicious, and health enhancing, and not only elevates the taste of any food that you prepare, but also makes a perfect gift during the holiday season. 

  • give to help fair trade

    Tradewinds buys fair trade products from around the world to sell.  Proceeds go back into the store to help buy more products. 



    LEARN MORE ABOUT TRADEWINDS

  • give a free meal

    1st United Methodist Church (Thursday) and New Providence Presbyterian Church (Tuesday) offer the community a weekly opportunity to break bread together.  Dozens of faithful volunteers serve the community (preparing, serving, and cleaning up) by offering a free meal to anyone who comes to the Welcome Table. This ministry is a true labor of love!!


    The Welcome Table will have an assortment of jams and jellies for sale at the Alternative Gift Fair. Come early for the best selection.


    LEARN ABOUT WELCOME TABLE

  • GIVE A BOOST TO CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

    Linda Richards will be selling a number of handmade items with all proceeds benefitting the 1st Kids Ministries. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Hang tight while we look up scheduled events...