Each year, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City opens its doors for the community to participate in a meaningful holiday tradition—our Alternative Gift Market. This event transforms St. Andrew’s Multi-Purpose Area into a vibrant marketplace for giving, where local missions and charitable organizations set up tables to share information about their work and the lives they impact. Representatives are present to answer questions, fostering a deeper understanding of each ministry and its unique role in serving those in need.
Through the Alternative Gift Market, visitors can make donations to these groups on behalf of their loved ones, honoring them with a gift that reaches far beyond the holiday season. Cards and descriptions of the chosen ministries are available, allowing attendees to personalize their gifts with a heartfelt message about the cause they’ve supported. Iowa City Ten Thousand Villages will be selling an assortment of ethically-sourced handcrafted wares from across the globe.
In addition to local missions, our market also features the Presbyterian Church (USA) Gift Catalog. This catalog opens up ways to support life-changing projects around the world. By purchasing items like goats and cows for rural farmers, school kits for children in Pakistan, or micro-business loans for mothers looking to earn an income, you can help families become more self-sufficient and resilient. These contributions provide hope and essential resources for individuals and communities across the globe.
Join us from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday Nov. 24 to make a difference this holiday season—give the gift of compassion and empowerment to those who need it most!