The United Church of Northfield will hold its 6th annual International Gift Market on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m

The market offers an alternative holiday shopping experience providing unique shopping opportunities for those hard to buy for people in our lives. By selling these products in our community we are directly creating employment and training in 36 countries around the world. SERRV International: Presents high quality handcrafts from around the world.

SERRV is celebrating its 60th anniversary providing a fair trade network connecting thousands of artisans in developing countries with customers and volunteers across the United States.

Fair Trade coffee, whole bean and ground, cocoa, and dark chocolate bars will also be on sale.

The Zienzele Foundation located in Zimbabwe provides beautiful handmade baskets. The foundation maintains a lifeline to AIDS orphans and their caregivers. Profits from each basket sold goes to pay school fees for the orphans in Zimbabwe.

In addition to helping preserve a traditional African craft, the foundation works to build selfreliance through education and encouragement and in so doing instill the belief that through their own efforts they can achieve a better life.

The Heifer Project International is also involved. Through donations they purchase of animals to provide a meaningful gift to help children and families around the world receive training, and the animals to help them lead more self-reliant and independent lives.

Church World Service supports grass roots development, disaster relief, refugee assistance, education and advocacy on hunger related issues around the world. Donations make possible the purchase of blankets for refugees, hydration kits for children, micro-credit grants, medicine and more.

Something as simple as a mixture of salt and sugar in clean water can prevent dehydration brought on by diarrhea, which leads to death for two million children in the developing world.

"We are all a part of this world and in this world we each hold a responsibility for the way we care for each other and for those who have less than we do," said Dean Howe who assists with the project at the church.

"Take a moment to come in and learn more about these wonderful organizations, as any purchases will directly benefit the people and families who market their goods through the above programs. Remaining profits will support Our Churches Wider Mission," he added.

Lunch will also be served which will include a variety of homemade soups and breads will be offered mid-day.