Morristown Unitarian Fellowship Holiday Gift Fair

The Morristown Unitarian Fellowship is holding its annual Holiday Gift Fair this weekend, on Friday, December 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, December 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, December 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

The Holiday Gift Fair showcases an enormous collection of exquisite handcrafted items from Ten Thousand Villages.  The sale of handmade jewelry, accessories, home décor, woven basketry, carved onyx, and many other crafts, supports the efforts of artisans in 36 countries around the world by providing fair income in exchange for their beautiful crafts.  "The craftsmanship is extraordinary," says co-organizer Christine Reynolds, "and even though the prices are very reasonable, the artisans are paid fairly for their products, so people in Morris County have a chance to help people in Vietnam or Bolivia or India, earn a living wage."  

Alternative "gifts of conscience," as well as practical and fun gifts that are good for the environment, are offered by a multitude of charitable organizations.  The Fellowship's Senior High Youth Group, for example, will be selling chic, environmentally friendly tote bags to support its participation in building a Habitat for Humanity home. The Green Earth Ministry has stainless steel water bottles, high-efficiency LED holiday lights and wildflower seeds, while the Interfaith Council for Homeless Families (ICHF) will be selling the famous house pins that support causes that assist families in need of housing. 

Sponsored by the Fellowship's Social Justice Council, the Holiday Gift Fair has several opportunities for gift donations.  "Many people can't give as much this year to charitable causes," observed co-organizer Karen Burns-Rutigliano.  "But at the Gift Fair, you can do some very affordable Christmas shopping, and feel good about the choices you are making.  And in many cases, you can take a tax deduction.  And, what better gift for that relative who really does have everything?"

A donation to the Heifer Project International, for example, buys a trio of ducks or rabbits, or a share of a milking cow, that becomes a source of income for families and a way out of poverty for an entire village.  Often named as one of the most effective non-profit charities, Heifer emphasizes long term, workable solutions for addressing poverty issues all over the world, including the United States.  Recipients agree to share the offspring of gift animals with neighbors, making them equal partners with Heifer in the fight to end world hunger, and are taught sustainable methods to lessen environmental impact.  Donors at MUF's Holiday Gift Fair can take home a stuffed animal as a tangible symbol of this thoughtful alternative gift.

The Morristown Unitarian Fellowship is located at 21 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown (near the Morris Museum).  For more information and directions, visit www.muuf.org or call (973) 540-1177.