The money collected will be sent to mission or charity projects. The Market was founded in 1980 in California and has grown to 250 markets in over 40 states. This year, Katy Seidel of the Ames Area Alternative Gift Market, said the money will be used to help four families in Ames, two from elsewhere in the United States and more than 20 people around the world such as in Honduras, where the money is used for water. The donations also go toward medicines, bicycles, livestock, relief for orphans, shelter for the homeless, food and agriculture equipment.
Donations are tax-deductible and distributed by ecumenical, nonprofit agencies.
Colorful displays telling the stories of people who will benefit from donations will be set up. Those donating will receive holiday cards with information about their donations. These cards will be ready to mail as alternative presents to anyone on their holiday shopping lists. The Market is sponsored by First Baptist Church of Ames, Collegiate United Methodist Church Wesley, Collegiate Presbyterian, Northminster Presbyterian Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames and the Bethesda Lutheran Church. For more information regarding the Ames Alternative Gift Market, call 232-2474.