The 19th Annual Gifts That Give Hope Fair brings nonprofits, ethical shopping, food, family activities, and community together for one day in Lancaster. If you haven't experienced it yet, here are 10 reasons to join us on October 10th, shared by mother and daughter, Marian and Maddy Pontz.
10 Reasons — Maddy’s Perspective
by Maddy Pontz
10. Enjoy Live Music From Local Performers
Do you love listening to live music? Do you wish you could check out local bands or learn about new music more often? The gift fair’s jubilant atmosphere can be credited in large part to the many local musicians, ensembles, bands, and soloists who perform throughout the day. Stop in simply for a free concert!
9. Grab a Coffee & Explore Local Food Trucks
I was asked the other day, “What’s a fail-safe way to make a bad day better?” My answer came quickly and without hesitation: “Going to get a fun coffee.” And that’s why the Character Coffee truck is always my first stop at the gift fair for a fun, seasonal beverage. If you’re looking for something to eat, too, don’t worry! The front circle of the Lancaster Farm & Home Center is full of delicious local food trucks, ready to fulfill any appetite.
8. Connect With People Who Care About Your Community
I can’t say for sure, but I’d venture a guess that many of us – at least those reading this blog! – are looking to connect with our neighbors, to support ethically-run local businesses, and to meet community members dedicated to making our world a better place. If I’m right about this, the gift fair is the event for you.
7. Give Meaningful Gifts Without Giving More Stuff
I love to give gifts – I love the excitement of coming up with the perfect idea, I love hunting the perfect item down in stores or online, and I love wrapping it up beautifully. Sometimes, though, I know that the people in my life are just not looking for any more stuff. Perhaps they’re downsizing soon, or maybe they’re trying to live a more minimalist lifestyle. In these cases, the gift fair has always served me well; I’ve found that a thoughtful donation – to a cause that reflects the interests of the recipient, made in their name – is always very well-received.
6. Discover New Volunteer Opportunities
Are you looking to start volunteering more, but have no idea where to start? I know just what to suggest! Every nonprofit and organization that tables at the annual gift fair is seeking volunteers… So why not check it out and see what calls to you?
5. Find Something for Everyone on Your Holiday List
During the swirl of the holiday season, doesn’t a one-stop shop sound kind of amazing? It’s simple to find something for everyone on your list at GTGH – from a donation made in your best friend’s name, to a gorgeous bracelet from the artisan market for your daughter, and so much more.
4. Start a Meaningful Family Holiday Tradition
Why not create a new tradition for your family? Infuse more meaning into your holiday season and enjoy a festive day out together at GTGH. With the many special children’s events at the fair, the day is truly fun for the whole family.
3. Connect With a Cause You Already Care About
Already dedicated to a specific cause? Whether it’s a general passion or a specific nonprofit, you can get to know them better at the gift fair. Make a donation, learn of ways to volunteer your time, or just get to know their team.
2. Discover a New Cause That Inspires You
Perhaps you don’t know what you’re passionate about! That’s okay, too. Find a brand new cause that’s important to you at the gift fair. Dozens of nonprofits gather in one space, so you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest and desire to get involved.
1. Find Hope and a Way to Get Involved
When the world feels overwhelming, roll up your sleeves and get involved. The Gifts That Give Hope alternative gift fair is a space to build bridges, find hope, connect with neighbors, and find a path forward, together.
10 Reasons — Marian’s Perspective
by Marian Pontz
10. Free Admission, Free Parking & an Easy Day Out
There is lots of parking, easy to find off Manheim Pike (look for the signs and balloons), no admission fee, a multitude of concierge greeters with easy to read maps of the fair.
9. Screen-Free Activities for Kids
Activities to entertain your children-music, scavenger hunts, books, and toys to be won.
8. Local Food, Coffee & Sweet Treats
Delicious food and drink-from coffee to smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and stews, to an array of sweets; no need to leave the fair to feed hungry shoppers.
7. Connect With Your Lancaster Community
Time to connect with others who share your passions-from gardening to book clubs to micro-finance social clubs. You have the time and opportunity to build your community.
6. Give Gifts With a Story Behind Them
Stories are part of the gifts that you buy, for yourself or others. My favorite earrings were bought from one of the former vendors, Revolution Jewelry, by former unhoused women. When people compliment those earrings, I not only say thank you but can also show the impact of my purchase and make others think about making a similar impact.
5. Learn More About the World and Where You Fit In
Finding ways you can have an impact in a world that often feels like you have no control. You can talk to representatives from over 30 different nonprofits, find one or two that match your interests, and ask how you can get involved.
4. Help Kids Learn About Giving Back
Teaching your children or students to think beyond themselves. Many parents give their young children a certain amount of money for gifts, then have them walk around and talk to nonprofit representatives to match their shopping list with the gift recipients’ interests. They develop empathy, compassion, and an intellectual awareness of the world and how they can be a powerful positive partner to their world.
3. Choose sustainable Opposite of waste-No more landfill-bound items being bought for gifts. Make each purchase something they will appreciate, remember,take ownership of the power of their gift and be excited to share the story of that power with others.
2. Plan Ahead for Impactful Gifts All Year Long
Enjoy the ease of planning ahead for not just winter holidays but birthdays, anniversaries, and more. You can discover those non-profits that match your recipients' interests and then make a plan to regularly purchase those gifts. You can send them with their holiday, birthday, and thinking-of-you correspondence.
1. Reclaim Your Power to Create Positive Change
In a world that can make you feel like you have no power nor any control, attending the gift fair allows you to find others who have similar interests and goals, remember that there is and always will be power in your wallet, and unleash the ripples created by your empathy and generosity.
10 Reasons. One Day. Your Chance to Be Part of Something Bigger.
Come spend October 10th discovering meaningful gifts, local food, inspiring nonprofits, family activities, and a community that believes our choices can make a difference.
