Free trade shop holds open house

Gifts of the World, a volunteer-run, free trade shop held at Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, in Schaumburg, will hold holiday open houses on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. There will be free samples of fair trade coffee and Amish apple butter, peanut butter and strawberry-rhubarb butter. And throughout December, shoppers will receive a free handmade ornament with each purchase. The shop offers the work of and supports artisans in developing countries. At this time of year, Gifts of the World specializes in handmade nativities as well as all its year-round items. Store hours in December are Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.