Every year, Lakewood UCC offers our Alternative Gift Market before and after service in December. This is a wonderful way to support local and global non-profits and make your giving go further as you do your holiday shopping. We normally have goods from both local and global missions. This year, things may look a little different, but we still are very excited to offer ways to still support all the causes you love while checking off your holiday shopping checklist!
See below for descriptions of and direct links to shop for all the incredible causes we have the opportunity to help support this year!
Local Lakewood/Metro Denver Opportunities with Global Reach:
Friendship Bridge
Friendship Bridge is a non-profit empowering Guatemalan women artisans by giving them access to small loans to start a business. They provide markets and training for artisans. You can purchase their handmade decorative home items, beaded jewelry, woven baskets, linens, ornaments and so much more!
Want to shop in person?
On Friday, December 5 from 1:00 pm-7:00 pm at their Felices Fiestas Holiday Open House. From 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, there will be traditional Guatemalan holiday activities. They are located at 405 Urban St., Ste 140, Lakewood.
OR
Click HERE to shop Friendship Bridge online!
International Library and Cultural Exchange
International Library and Cultural Exchange sells jewelry and craft items from international craftspeople from over 15 countries. Part of the proceeds from their sales goes to the Colorado Association of Libraries International Library and Cultural Exchange which promotes cultural understanding and facilitates library partnerships.
Want to shop in person?
They will be exhibiting at the First Universalist Church at 4101 East Hampden Ave, on November 23 (9:00 am-5:00 pm) and November 24 (9:00 am-2:00 pm) and at the Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W. 32nd Ave in Golden on Friday, December 6 (9:00 am-9:00 pm) and Saturday, December 7 (9:00 am-4:00 pm).
EarthLinks
For 25+ years, EarthLinks has been cultivating personal transformation and self-worth with people experiencing homelessness and poverty. They sell Earth-friendly products that they make/assemble including lotion bars, soaps, lip balms, salt scrubs, bookmarks, cards, recycled earrings, candles, honey, teas, and coffee and reusable bags
Want to shop in person?
They will be at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Holiday Bazaar (9200 West 10th Avenue) on November 22-23 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm
OR
Click HERE to shop EarthLinks online!
Tipi Raisers
Tipi Raisers is a Lakewood-based nonprofit that establishes a diverse coalition of partners to alleviate poverty in Native communities, empower youth, create opportunities for reconciliation, and honor Indigenous wisdom. Their annual Holiday Gift Drive for Native Communities delivers over 1,000 gifts for the families they serve on the Pine Ridge, Hopi, and Navajo Reservations.
Click HERE to support Tipi Raisers online!
Women’s Bean Project
Women’s Bean Project is a social enterprise that hires women experiencing chronic unemployment. Participants develop job skills, discover their talents, and break the cycle of poverty. In addition to their signature bean and lentil soups, you’ll find trail mixes, dog treats, spice mixes, cornbreads, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and more.
Want to shop in person?
Visit their retail store at the Old Firehouse #10 Building, 1300 W. Alameda Ave. Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. 303.292-1919
OR
Click HERE to shop Women’s Bean Project online!
African Community Center
“We Made This” is a program of the African Community Center that offers sewing classes for refugees in which women create home/lifestyle items for sale.
Want to shop in person?
Their items are for sale at Denver Botanic Gardens and at Ruby’s Market, 1569 Pearl St. Ruby’s Market is a multicultural artisan and food marketplace showcasing refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs.
–
Global Giving & Connecting
–
Global Ministries
Global Ministries is a joint witness in mission between the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. Their mission is to receive and share the good news of Jesus Christ by joining with global and local partners to work for justice, reconciliation, and peace.
Click HERE to shop Global Ministries!
Heifer International
Heifer International is a global nonprofit working to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based holistic community development. Shoppers will have the choice of gifting in someone’s name a goat, flock of chicks, heifer, or other farm animals to help families in need in 21 countries.
Want to shop in person?
Glenda Bobby will have a table in Fellowship Hall on December 15.
OR
Click HERE to shop Heifer International online!
SERRV
SERRV provides a vast catalog of international gifts, jewelry, scarves, spices and coffees, and Christmas items. Dedicated to fighting poverty through fair trade since 1949, SERRV International works with nearly 8,000 artisans and farmers in 24 countries to bring you the world’s most beautiful handcrafts.
Buying SERRV products through the above link gives back to both Lakewood UCC and SERRV International!
Palestine Relief Organizations
Support these groups who provide essential humanitarian aid (food, medical supplies) to Palestinian families in the Near East:
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East
Click HERE to learn more
Palestine Children’s Relief Fund
Click HERE to learn more
