Hope's 13th Annual

Alternative Christmas Fair

Saturday, November 9, 2013   10am - 3pm

EVERY year, it becomes harder to find unusual Christmas gifts for family and friends, don't you think?  So this year, why not look for a gift that is meaningful, not going to stored in the closet or never used?

For the past twelve years, Hope Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan has helped raise much needed funds for local, national and international non-profit groups and social agencies by hosting an Alternative Christmas Fair at the start of the holiday season.

Each charity invited offers unique gifts for sale or opportunities to donate specific items and they are able to keep 100% of the proceeds.  A $1 admission will be charged at the door and there are lunch items and homemade cookies for sale to raise just enough to pay administrative costs such as advertisement and table rental expenses. The Hope Alternative Christmas Fair can boast of raising over $250,000 for dozens of non-profit organizations to date.

If you are unfamiliar with the Alternative Christmas Fair (ACF) concept, it is a fun way to bypass the annual stress of holiday shopping and stop the accumulation of "stuff" while honoring friends, relatives, teachers, or others, with donations to causes that fit their values.  What's more, ACF provide critical support for a diverse collection of non-profit organiztions with established track records of helping people and the environment the world over.

It is an extraordinarily, satisfying way to give back to those in need.  There are many deserving charities and organizations that offer alternative Christmas gifts, like Kids 4 Afghan Kids founded by a group of 6th graders in Northville, Michigan or Seedlings Braille Books for Children which offer s selection of books, sterling silver jewelry and charms.  Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry/Motown United Ministries sells dry soup mixes and dessert mixes to fund their mission of providing food, shelter and services to the homeless and addicted.  This is only a sampling of the many charities involved each year.

There is a unique one-of-a-kind atmosphere about each table at the ACF.  You will find African crafts and fabrics, Alpaca wood scarves, holiday cards drawn by the children receiving the services of the organization, wood carvings from Palestine and all kinds of food products and toys available.  Shoppers can also find music, handmade gifts and baked goods for sale at the fair.

We hope you will stop by on Saturday, November 9, 2013 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Hope Lutheran Church, 39200 W. Twelve Mile Road (east of Haggery Road).  Make it a point to enjoy the holidays more by simplifying some of the work, while retaining what makes the holidays special; giving to others.  

Registration for the 2013 Alternative Christmas Fair will begin late August, 2013.  If you would like to contact an ACF committee member, click here or call 248-553-7170.