About us
Imagine a world where every gift you choose makes a real difference. Each purchase you make is more than just a transaction; it's a statement of support for ethical practices, social enterprises, and the environment.
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Our Mission
Our mission is meaningful gift giving and support for non-profit organizations by helping communities host alternative gift fairs. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that assists service, civic, community, and faith-based groups. We plan events to raise awareness of needs in a local or global area, secure donations, and encourage volunteerism, while providing unique shopping and giving opportunities.
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Our Why
At the heart of our organization is the goal of helping people. We have a shared passion to:
- create jobs for individuals facing barriers to employment
- support social enterprise and business for good companies
- work together to pool our resources and vision, so we can make a greater impact than we could individually.
How We Got Started
Your Grandmother Doesn’t Need Another Sweater.
One evening at work, I happened to pick up a copy of the local newspaper and saw an article titled, “Your Grandmother Doesn’t Need Another Sweater and Your Dad Doesn’t Need Another Tie.” My sentiments exactly! I continued reading, and I learned about a Harrisburg, PA-based women’s giving circle that was sponsoring an alternative gift fair, as one of their holiday projects.
I had found myself growing disgruntled with the holiday season. It had started to seem like a blanket of consumerism and unrealistic expectations about what constitutes a meaningful experience.
I contacted the women’s giving circle in Harrisburg, told them how much I loved the idea, and that I wanted to replicate it in Lancaster, PA. After meeting with the women, I came home with so many thoughts and ideas coursing through my brain. I proceeded to contact everyone I knew who would have a remote interest in helping me organize the first alternative gift fair in Lancaster.
I ended up working with Gifts that Give Hope, an umbrella organization that provides resources and tools for those who want to host their own alternative gift fair. The Lancaster Alternative Gift Fair debuted in November 2008, and it has been going strong on the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving ever since.
Let's break the cycle of mindless gifting.
Join us in making every gift count every day of the year. Together, we can cast a vote for the kind of world we wish to live in—one filled with justice, fairness, and peace.
Warmly,
Jennifer Knepper
Founder and Board Member
Our collective of volunteers and change-makers was initiated by the annual holiday alternative gift fair in Lancaster, a beacon of hope for those seeking to infuse real purpose into their presents. This concept, which resonated deeply with us years ago, is more relevant today than ever. In a world often overwhelmed by consumerism, we offer a refreshing alternative.
Get Involved
If every one of us considers the impact of our gifting choices, imagine the compounding difference we could make. With Gifts that Give Hope, you have the opportunity to select gifts that not only bring joy to your loved ones but also create jobs for individuals facing employment barriers, support environmentally conscious creators, and contribute to a fairer, more equitable world.
