Church Hosts Fair Trade Marketplace to Benefit Ten Thousand Villages

Congregational United Church of Christ (1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005) will host a Fair Trade Marketplace featuring handmade items on November 25-26. All proceeds will benefit Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit organization that helps artisans throughout the world secure a living wage for goods produced in earth-friendly ways.

Ten Thousand Villages (www.tenthousandvillages.com) works closely with artisans throughout Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. This year's Fair Trade Marketplace will feature a variety of handmade products and one-of-a-kind gifts, including jewelry, home decor, toys, and more. Proceeds from the sale of these items provide food, education, healthcare, and housing for the artisans and their families.

This event offers local shoppers a unique opportunity to promote a world economy that empowers artisans, marginalized workers, and struggling families. As CUCC event coordinator JoAnn Rapp reflects, "Having [the Fair Trade Marketplace] on the traditional Thanksgiving weekend speaks to 'thanks living' for those of us who live in safety, [and] aren't faced with the daily challenge as to how to secure sufficient food for the family's meals."

For unique gifts that give back, shop the Fair Trade Marketplace at Congregational United Church of Christ (CUCC) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, and noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 26. Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted.

Congregational United Church of Christ is an open and affirming institution that welcomes everyone. Visit www.congucc.org or call 847-392-6650 to learn more about this event.