Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe to hold Alternative Christmas Market Nov. 20

You have a chance to change someone’s life this Christmas season by choosing to buy gifts at the Alternative Christmas Market held at the Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe on Sunday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Last year, participants in the market helped to raise nearly $80,000 for 26 local and global charities that partner with the church on a regular basis. When buyers purchase an item at the Alternative Christmas Market, all of the money goes directly to mission partners that include Hope Unlimited serving at-risk children in Brazil, the San Diego Rescue Mission and Glad Tidings India that assists poor families.

“The market gives individuals and families an opportunity to broaden their gift giving during this Christmas season. There are opportunities to sponsor a child in Kenya, buy groceries for an orphanage in Tijuana or supply struggling San Diego families with clothing, gas money and school supplies,” explained the Rev. Dr. Jan Farley, associate pastor of the Village Church. “There’s something for everyone on your shopping list and you’ll experience the joy of giving to those in need.”

Shoppers receive cards that describe each contribution they’ve made so it’s easy to let family and friends know that a special gift was purchased on their behalf. A full catalogue of items available for purchase and a price sheet can be found at www.villagechurch.org. Here is a sample of some gift items: $25 can educate a student in Kenya or provide medicine for orphans in Tijuana; $50 supports refugees from South Sudan or buys groceries for a Syrian family; $30 buys baby items for new moms at Camp Pendleton; $10 sends devotional materials to deployed chaplains; $38 provides a San Diego student a transit pass.

The Alternative Christmas Market will be held in the Village Church Fellowship Center, 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, 92067. For more information, call 858-756-2441 or visit www.villagechurch.org.