Families in need benefit from 8th Fair Trade Sale

St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Dundee will hold its eighth annual Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade Sale, offering Christmas gift items from developing nations. Proceeds will benefit local individuals and families in the community who are in most need.

The Fair Trade Sale will be on Friday, Nov. 28 from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 30, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the church's narthex, 845 W. Main St., West Dundee.

"We are pleased to offer a wide variety of unique gift items, including Christmas décor, chocolate Advent calendars, religious articles, handmade baskets, children's toys and musical instruments, chocolates, and jewelry available for purchase from over 20 different countries," said Deacon Hank Schmalen, coordinator of the event.

"Unique items are available from Limitless Horizons lxil, a nonprofit organization," added Schmalen. "Their mission is to create opportunities for the indigenous youth, women, and families of Chajul, Guatemala to develop the academic and professional skills needed to effect change in their lives and community."

"Purchasing a gift during our sale is a chain reaction that benefits the recipient, a Third World country individual, and ultimately a local person or family in need. It is a gift that gives three times."

Catholic Relief Services, in conjunction with SERV International, provides fair trade items from developing nations. The product makers and/or growers receive a fair price for the sale of their products. All of the proceeds made by the sale at St. Catherine of Siena Church will support people in the local community who are in need.

Members of "St. Catherine's Spirit", the social justice ministry at St. Catherine of Siena Church, have organized the Fair Trade Sale. It coincides with this year's focus of charitable outreach for the parish. For information, call Debbie Schmalen at (847) 426-7326.