'Alternative' gifts benefit tri-town nonprofits
On Saturday Nov. 9, organizations such as the Mattapoisett Land Trust, Heifer Project International and Friends of the Bike Path set up exhibits in the Quaker church hall, selling gifts and collecting donations to support their work.
Each exhibit was made up of a small table filled with gifts such as T-shirts, hats, water bottles and jewelry. Flyers were provided for shoppers to learn more about each organization.
“Today’s gift fair is great. A lot of shoppers have showed interest in our organization. We even have new memberships already,” said Luana Josvold, clerk of the Mattapoisett Land Trust.
While Josvold spoke, Gary Johnson, president of the Mattapoisett Land Trust, showed off handmade toys created using land trust wood and all natural materials.
The Mattapoisett Land Trust offered gifts such as towels, grocery bags and even a chance to adopt your own blueberry bush. Proceeds from gift sales benefited the trust.
The group Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation Vocation (SERRV) exhibit had a variety of gift offerings such as handmade jewelry, scarves and woven baskets.
SERRV, a Catholic relief service, is a nonprofit organization that works with low-income artisans and farmers to form direct connections with buyers. Artisans and farmers crafted each item sold as the nonprofit uses proceeds from purchases to promote values in the 32 countries it works with.
“Our organization is about good in the world,” said Rheannen Williams. “It’s like the Red Sox. We’re not just winning, we’re doing good.”
Customers wandered through the church hall, enjoying coffee, talking and savoring the warm, friendly environment.