by Marian Pontz
Making Memories That Matter
We moms resort to some pretty hokey things to freeze a moment in our familyās life span. We dress everyone up in matching Christmas pajamas, take everyone to the beach for formal photos in jeans and white t-shirts, or travel to other states to suffer crowds and exorbitant costs to be in the happiest place on Earth. We work so hard to create photos and experiences that we believe our kids will remember and cherish. And the reality is, so often, it is not these extravagant experiences they latch onto, but the simple traditions that have meaning beyond the family and into the world around them. They often remember when they were a part of something larger than themselves-forces of good-helping others, cooking for sick neighbors, making cookies to give away, raking leaves for elderly family or neighbors, wrapping presents for charity, or, for many Lancaster families like the Ketchums and McGaws, yearly attending and supporting the Gifts that Give Hope Fair.Ā
A Mother-Daughter Holiday Tradition
Dr. Aimee Ketchum and her daughter, Manheim Township educator Kayla, established this yearly tradition of attending the fair over eight years ago, and as Aimee says, āWe love it! We start with the room of local businesses (selling unique crafts, plants, and socially responsible clothing and wares). And then we head to the big room and pick our gift donations. Most often, those supporting early childhood,ā as she further explains, āMy mother-in-law does not need anything. Still, she spent many years as a librarian, so we bought her a gift that supports literacy. She loves it!ā Over the course of these two hours, mother and daughter buy special, unique gifts for family, friends, and fellow teachers, talk to people they see each year at the fair, visit the food trucks, and reward themselves with yummy treats they both look for. This yearly tradition is one that both of them look forward to and would never miss.
Giving Meaningful Gifts That Give Back
Retired educator and philanthropist Mardy McGaw and family have attended the fair for four years, and each time she says, āWe find meaningful and unique gifts.ā She says they have a system that involves walking around the nonprofit room, listening to the representatives, noting, not being pressured, just learning. She returns to her home to carefully make her purchases on the website. āPeople enjoy these gifts. They like knowing that their gift is being useful to someone else.ā Selfishly, she admits, she also enjoys chatting with all her acquaintances that she sees each year. It is a friendly community of people who are looking to do good work.ā
A Family Tradition of Thoughtful Giving
For five hours (10-3) on Saturday, October 10, 2026, there is an opportunity to start a tradition of finding meaningful, purposeful gifts, listening, and learning about nonprofits addressing the needs of our community and beyond, trying new treats from a parking lot full of food trucks, and most importantly creating those meaningful memories with your family that do not require matching attire, hundreds of dollars for entrance fees and patience for the extreme lines, or airport travel. Right here in Lancaster at the Farm and Home Center on Arcadia Road, a yearly tradition that creates memories and supports empathy, generosity, kindness, discussion, and building community can be started, and all without an entrance fee.
Start a Tradition That Gives Back
The best family memories aren't always the biggest or most expensive. Sometimes they're made while discovering new causes, sharing a treat, and choosing gifts that make a difference.
Bring your family to the Gifts That Give Hope Fair and make meaningful giving part of your holiday tradition.
