Craft sale and gift market gives back to others

There was a large crowd on hand in Marquette at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for its popular International Craft Sale and Alternative Gift Market that started Friday night.

The sale has everything from Christmas tree ornaments, scarves, pottery, and jewelry all made from artists around the world.

People can also buy alternative gifts, to help families in poverty–stricken and war–torn countries.

“It’s a great shopping opportunity, because you do get to shop for yourself and give back to some of the communities around the world,” craft sale coordinator Karan Hendricks said.

“The Alternative Gift Market is where your proceeds go towards education, medical support in communities…you can buy a goat for a family or a sheep for a family.”

All proceeds from sale go back to the artisans.  St. Paul’s is also selling bread that benefit Marquette County organizations, like Harbor House, Camp New Day, and Our Little Roses.

“It’s (the craft sale and gift market) something we (St. Paul’s) can do that 100% of that does go back to these communities,” Hendricks said.  “Our motto here is ‘all are welcome’.  And so as part of that, we feel that we should give back on an international scale and a local scale to those who can’t.”

The International Craft Sale and Alternative Gift Market also runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.