Christmas Gifts

I posted about this in previous years on the blog so you might remember it. I am getting around to posting this kind of late but I just wanted to give some ideas to all of you for Christmas gifts.

First of all, a great thing would be to donate to a non-profit that helps people in need like LifeSource here in Northwest Arkansas. Or you could donate to a non-profit in your area. Even if you can't donate a lot of money, you can donate your time which would be a great help. You could also give to a missionary to help them continue to be able to spread the good news. If you don't know any missionaries, we know several we can recommend.

If you have to buy gifts, consider purchasing fair trade products. For those of you who are not familiar with Fair Trade here is a quick description....
Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based model of international trade which promotes the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods. The movement focuses in particular on exports from developing countries to developed countries, most notably handicrafts and agricultural products. Fair trade's strategic intent is to deliberately work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-sufficiency.

There are several websites devoted to selling these products. Some of our good friends Dylan and Molly have a company that sells some products from India online. It is called Asha Imports and they have products that are made by poor people in India to enable them get out of the slums and out of the sex trade. Their products are really cool. You should also check out all the fair trade product websites below and consider buying some of their products for your friends and family this Christmas.By purchasing fair trade products, your helping to free more and more people from impoverished circumstances. If you live in Northwest Arkansas, the gift shop up at the Mt Sequoyah Conference Center sells lots of fair trade items.

http://www.ashaimports.com/

http://www.worldofgood.com/

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/

Another great thing you can do this Christmas is to give to World Vision or Heifer International. You can go on their website and buy practical things for impoverished individuals in other countries. Things like livestock, clothing, medical kits, etc. You can even buy a goat for an impoverished family, in honor of the Farm of Hale. When you buy something you can print out the "gift" certificate from their website instantly so it is perfect for a last minute gift.

For any of you wanting to get Margo or I a gift, these kinds of things would mean more to us than anything else. Why not consider helping those less fortunate this year for Christmas.