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Schaumburg gift shop touches lives around the world

One of the best-kept secrets in Schaumburg is a small fair-trade gift shop that supports artisans in developing countries.

Gifts of the World, a ministry of Christ Community Mennonite Church, opened its doors in October 1994 at 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. The nonprofit shop sells handmade crafts from developing countries such as Vietnam, Peru, India, Haiti, Bangladesh and Kenya.

The items are ordered from two fair trade organizations, Ten Thousand Villages and Serrv International. Retail margins are slim because the artisans are paid 50% of the cost up front when the order is placed, which typically is a year or so before delivery. Most of the artisans don't have access to credit, so this gives them the ability to purchase raw materials and pay labor while the products are being made.

Ten Thousand Villages and Serrv International work with the artisans in their countries, helping them grow their business and co-op with other artisans. With very little overhead and many stores being completely run by volunteers, such as Gifts of the World, the artisans are able to be paid a living wage for their handiwork.

Gifts of the World (and Ten Thousand Villages) is more than a store. It's a global maker-to-market movement that breaks the cycle of generational poverty and ignites social change. Its goal is nothing less than to change the world by helping people help themselves.

Shopping at Gifts of the World is a refreshing respite in today's world of retail, where authenticity, meaning and mission are in short supply. It truly puts people and the planet first.

Many of the products are made from recycled materials such as bike chains and circuit boards made into picture frames and clocks, paper made into jewelry and trinket boxes, stones and rocks made into paperweights, and gourds made into ornaments and Nativities.

You can find unique gifts for everyone on your list: wood puzzles, jewelry, hand-dyed scarves, onyx and wood chess sets, sculptures, home decor and musical instruments. Gifts of the World also has a large collection of unique ornaments and Nativities. Gift certificates are available as well.

With COVID affecting us all, it has disproportionately affected people in poor countries. You can make a difference this year by supporting this local nonprofit business as you support artisans in developing countries.

In December, the store will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (closed Dec. 25 and 31). In January, the store will go back to Saturday only hours.

Also in December, everyone will receive a gift with each purchase and will be entered in a raffle for a gift basket. On Dec. 24, for those last-minute shoppers, everything in the store will be 15% off.

If you are unable to shop during those hours, call Manager Janice Ropp at (708) 289-0288 to schedule a private shopping appointment. Face masks are required. For details, call (847) 895-3676.

"Like" Gifts of the World Fair Trade Store on Facebook to keep up with monthly specials.

Gifts of the World, a ministry of Christ Community Mennonite Church, is at 888 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. Courtesy of Gifts of the World
This handmade Nativity of recycled paper was made in Vietnam. It is one of the many Nativity sets for sale at Gifts of the World, a fair trade store in Schaumburg. Courtesy of Gifts of the World
Made in Indonesia, this wood- painted Nativity is one of the fair trade items for sale at Gifts of the World in Schaumburg. Courtesy of Gifts of the World
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