For some people, the thought of giving cheap junk made by exploited workers in some overseas sweatshop as a Christmas gift is not appetizing. But if you shop the big-box stores, cheap junk made by exploited workers in some overseas sweatshop is about all you’re going to find.
The Alternative Christmas Faire scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. this Sunday, December 5, at Redding’s First United Methodist Church really does provide an alternative to the usual shopping mall merchandise. At least 20 nonprofit and fair-trade organizations will offer small food items, gift cards, baskets, soap, jewelry, crafts and numerous other things produced and sold for purposes other than pure capitalism.
Anything purchased during the Alternative Christmas Faire “helps transform lives locally and around the world,” said Peggy Rebol, a member of First United Methodist’s ministry staff.
International organizations scheduled to be on hand include Bridge For Africa, Nothing But Nets, Heifer International and Solar Cookers International. Local nonprofit groups will include People of Progress, Shasta Land Trust, Shasta Conservation Fund and the Shasta College Community Teaching Garden. Don’t know what these organizations are all about? Come and learn.
“We’re trying to help the community see what organizations are doing,” Rebol said. “Part of this event is education and raising awareness.”
If you can’t find just the right gift at the fair, there will be even more alternatives. One is a gift membership or donation in someone’s honor to one of the charitable groups. Another option is to make your own wreath, pinecone bird feeder or other craft item. Organizers will have lots of wreath and craft materials on hand for both adults and children. For the $2 admission fee, you and your kids (who get in free) will have unlimited access to all the materials in the “make it, take it” craft area.
Sunday will mark the fifth year for the Alternative Christmas Faire, which has generated about $26,000 in sales and donations during its first four rounds, according to Rebol. Although First United Methodist is happy to host the annual event, Rebol said she would like to see it move elsewhere, possibly to a larger venue, and take more of an ecumenical, all-faiths direction in the future.
First United Methodist Church is located at East and South streets in Redding. The $2 admission fee helps cover the cost of the Alternative Christmas Faire and does not go to the church. For more information, contact the church at 243-2403.
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• Another alternative to the retail madness … The Shasta College Horticulture Department will offer poinsettias, house plants, wreaths, holiday arrangements, centerpieces and related items grown and made by students during the department’s annual holiday plant sale. The event is scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. on December 10, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 11 in Building 4500 on the Shasta College farm. Simply follow for the Christmas tree signs on campus.
• Not to be a grinch, but … As of January 1, tobacco will be prohibited at all facilities of Mercy Medical Center Redding, Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta, and St. Elizabeth Community Hospital in Red Bluff. No sneaking out to the parking lot or behind the dumpster for a discreet smoke or a dip. The no-tobacco policy will apply to everyone, including visitors.
• The Redding-based Caltrans District 2 office recently received two Excellence in Highway Design Awards from the Federal Highway Administration. The feds recognized the Town Hill project on Highway 36 in Susanville, and the Bass Mountain wireless hub project on Interstate 5 north of Redding. Completed last year by Steve Manning Construction, the Town Hill work involved highway re-alignment, widening and resurfacing and improved safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The Bass Mountain project upgraded remote monitoring capabilities on an often-hazardous stretch of freeway.
Paul Shigley is senior editor of California Planning & Development Report, a frequent contributor to Planning magazine and says homemade gifts are the best. He lives in Centerville. Paul Shigley may be reached at pauls.anewscafe@gmail.com.
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