An Alternative Gift
November 11, 2004
The Heifer Project mascot (Amanda Garber), shops for Christmas gifts. |
The market provides an opportunity for members of the divinity school community to celebrate the birth of Christ without subjecting themselves to commercialism, last-minute trips to packed shopping malls or saccharine department store music. Instead, "shoppers" may honor friends and family by purchasing – in their names – food, housing materials, school supplies and other necessities for the less fortunate in Durham, across the country and abroad.
Through Habitat for Humanity, for example, purchases can be made for as little as $1 for a pound of nails or $10 for 10 bricks. Through National Interfaith Hospitality Network, toiletries for a homeless family can be bought for $5, disposable diapers can be purchased for $8, or a car seat can be bought for $40. Through Family Health Ministries, one can purchase food, textbooks or other supplies for school children in Fondwa, Haiti, with prices ranging from $5.50 to $65.
Other participating organizations include Heifer Project International, Society of St. Andrew, One World Market, Angel Tree, Church World Service Christmas Cards and Grotto Olive Wood Arts.
Payment should be made by check or cash. One World Market also accepts credit card payments. For details, contact Associate Dean Greg Duncan, 660-3558.