Community Corner

Get Creative This Holiday Season and Shop With 'Hope for the Holidays'

"Hope for the Holidays" works with nearly 100 co-ops from DuPage County and across the world that focus on the most disadvantaged people groups.

As the quest for the perfect gift consumes many this time of year, some area churches are making that search a bit easier.

Naperville's largest non-profit, fair-trade holiday bazaar "Hope for the Holidays" returns to the first weekend in December, offering handmade gifts from more than 38 countries.

Shoppers will find items ranging from jewelry, clothing and instruments to home goods and foodstuff.

The bazaar works with nearly 100 co-ops from DuPage County and across the world that focus on the most disadvantaged people groups.  

"We tend to think of our Christmas shopping as transactions but what if we began thinking about it as possible transformations?" said Cheryl Lynn Cain, director of justice and compassion ministries at the The Sanctuary, a church in  that is helping coordinate the event.

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"It's what I like to call shopping 'on purpose,'" said Neil Schori, pastor of Naperville Christian Church, where the sale is hosted. 

Traditionally, the sale has offered items from across the globe. But this year they have also partnered with a local co-op in DuPage County that helps disadvantaged women find job skills though the creation of handmade children's clothing, totes and knits.  

"We are so excited to be adding groups like Re:new projectHand and Cloth and others because the impact we can make by buying handmade transforms communities near and far. And instead of just getting a unique gift, you also are giving hope and dignity. And who doesn't want to give that for Christmas?" said Cain, the event's coordinator. 

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The bazaar will also host a chocolate tasting with live Afro-Cuban music on Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; as well as its regular hours Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2pm; and Dec. 3rd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Naperville Christian Church, 25W530 75th St.  

For more information, contact cherylcain@gmail.com.


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