Retired manager helps expand Gifts of the World selection

When Pauline and LeRoy Kennel retired last summer as founding co-pastors of Christ Community Mennonite Church in Schaumburg, Pauline also retired as manager of Gifts of the World, the fair-trade shop run at the church.

But the Kennels' subsequent move to Indiana ended up providing a new avenue for acquiring merchandise for the shop, whose proceeds support artisans in more than 40 countries who create the gifts, home items, arts, crafts and jewelry sold there.

Since the move, Pauline Kennel has become acquainted with some members of the Amish community in Shipshewana, Ind., explained her daughter, Janice Kennel Ropp, who now runs Gifts of the World with a group of fellow volunteers.

"I believe in it so much myself," Ropp said.

So in addition to the items from foreign lands - nativity scenes from around the world are a staple - the shop now boasts genuine Amish items like handmade, solid-wood items furniture and toys, quilts, dolls, and bread spreads, including peanut butter made with marshmallow crème - "it's like dessert," Ropp said.

This week, the shop will have special holiday hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Christmas Eve. The store will be closed Christmas Day and then returns Saturday to regular hours of 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For details, call (847) 895-3676.

Gifts of the World is located at 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.