SHOP THE WORLD -ALL IN ONE PLACE

NOVEMBER 3, 2024

While the Black Friday sales are still several weeks away, you can get a jump start on holiday shopping and feel good about it at the same time.  Vendors representing non-profit groups, fair trade organizations and ministries will be setting up in Wesley Hall and other rooms on the

upper floor of the church at this year's Alternative Gift Fair.


This event provides an opportunity to shop the world all in one place. Every gift you buy actually helps you give twice; once to the organization you are helping, and the second time to the recipient of your gift. Be sure and spread the word and invite your friends to this great event. 


SCROLL DOWN FOR A LIST OF VENDORS

2024

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 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

    those 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

  • help flood victims

    Parts of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia continue to recover from catastrophic flooding.  A special fund has been created to help with the recovery efforts in both the short term and the long term.  During the AGF we will have some 1st UMC branded items for sale, with the proceeds going to the Holston Flood Relief Fund. 


    Ways to help with disaster recovery 

  • 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


  • give support to kenyan families

    Kenya Partners is a non-profit organization providing orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya an opportunity for quality education, reliable health care and hope for the future. 


    Purchasing items helps support the families of the Kenyan women.  Items sold include nativity sets, angels, and other Christmas decorations made from local Kenyan materials; jewelry; wooden salad servers; and many other interesting items made by local Kenyan artisans. 


    The organization funds a 600-bed school for orphans and vulnerable children in K-12, a 24/7 mission hospital and 2 other pre-schools and their feeding programs. 


    LEARN ABOUT KENYA PARTNERS

  • 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 to support ministry in latvia

    1st UMC has a sister church in Kuldiga, Latvia, one of several UMCs in this Eastern European nation.  Our mission in helping the Kuldiga UMC is part of a wider denominational initiative to support the ministries in Latvia through the Friends of Latvia organization. 


    Shop handmade items from Latvia including laser cut balsam wood Christmas ornaments, prayer beads and many other items. 






    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LATVIAN MISSION 

  • 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 change the world

    Fair Trade is changing the world.  Every purchase from "Shop the World Gifts" not only helps a third world artisan support their family, it also helps build churches, schools and hospitals in the artisan's community.  


    Come shop a variety of jewelry, scarves, beautiful clothes, nativities and much more from more than 45 countries; something for everyone on your Christmas list. 


    LEARN MORE ABOUT SHOP THE WORLD

  • give support to appalachia

    Betty Jo McFall returns to the Alternative Gift Fair with an assortment of decorated wreaths and handmade items.  Proceeds support ministry efforts in the Appalachian area of Virginia. 

  • 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 which include:

    • Strawberry Preserves
    • Blackberry Jam
    • Spiced Apple Butter
    • Ginger Pear Marmalade
    • Lemon Pear Jam
    • Peach Jam
    • Grape Jam
    • Fig Jam
    • Zucchini Peach Marmalade
    • Zucchini Cherry Marmalade


    Come early for the best selection.


    LEARN ABOUT WELCOME TABLE

UPCOMING EVENTS

Hang tight while we look up scheduled events...