Consider the gift of donations

REEDSVILLE - Tired of unused Christmas presents, an adult Sunday school class at East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church decided to begin a new gift-giving tradition this season.

Rather than buy a gift that someone cannot use, why not give a donation on their behalf to a local charity, the class considered. A committee formed at the church has organized a community event for people to do just that.

An alternative gift fair featuring 20 organizations will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the church, located on the corner of Walnut and Church streets in Reedsville.

"You could forgo another sweater or a knick-knack to help someone in need," said Jene Mertz, who is helping to organize the event. "Those of us who are blessed with too many things ... can make a difference in someone's life."

An alternative gift fair not only reduces the stress of not knowing what gift to give to someone who has everything, but it also allows the person to give something meaningful, Mertz said.

The idea originated last year during Advent when the Sunday school class members were asked how they could keep Christ in Christmas, Mertz said. Someone suggested that the church attend or host an alternative gift fair where shoppers can give a donation to an organization in another person's name rather than a gift.

Soon after the Sunday school class, Mertz said she sought out and attended a fair in State College and talked with its organizers.

"It percolated in our heads for a few months," Mertz said. "In August, we decided that we wanted to try it."

With many organizations struggling economically, Mertz said this is an opportune time to host an event like this.

When the church committee brainstormed for the event, "I was impressed by the sheer number of organizations we came up with," Mertz said, noting the variety of groups that will be represented - from animal rescue groups to local fire companies to the library.

Of the 20 organizations that will be at the fair, only one is international: the Smile Train. The rest are local, she said.

The Smile Train repairs cleft palates for $250, she said. For that amount, 10 people at an office or group gift exchange could instead donate their money to the cause and change a child's life, she said.

"We tried to keep in mind a diverse appeal," Mertz said. "All of these groups in our area are doing wonderful work."

At the fair, every organization will have a display and representatives to answer questions, she said. Shoppers will be given sheets to note the organizations they want to donate to and the amount, she said.

After walking through the displays, the church will have a check-out table where shoppers can pay with one check, she said. For each contribution, donors will receive a gift card that says who the donation has been made in honor or memory of, she said.

Cash and checks will be accepted. The church will total the contributions and send checks to the organizations after the event, she said.

The organizations who will be represented are LUMINA Center, Shelter Services, Mifflin County 4-H, Salvation Army, Santa's Bookbag, Mifflin County Libraries, The Abuse Network, Reedsville Volunteer Fire Co., Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Rescue Our Furry Friends, Mifflin-Juniata Dental Clinic, Mifflin-Juniata Arts Council, United Way of Mifflin Juniata, Mifflin County Historical Society, Crossroads Pregnancy Center, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, 4 Seasons Therapeutic Equestrian Program, Milroy-Reedsville Meals on Wheels, St. John's Christian Daycare and Preschool, and the Smile Train.

Because the church will not receive money from the event, it will run a food stand to pay for operating costs of the fair, Mertz said.

The church would like to continue the alternative gift fair every year, Mertz said.

"We understand the first year may be a little difficult because people don't know about it," Mertz said. "It's definitely the type of thing that can grow over the years."

Mertz mentioned the State College fair, which has grown raise thousands of dollars in donations to the organizations that are invited.

"We want to show them that we appreciate the work they do," Mertz said. "They're doing God's work."