"Spending Less, Giving More"

"Spending Less, Giving More": this was the little slogan we placed on all our advertisements for last Sunday's fair trade holiday craft sale. This is a tough year economically for a lot of people, so while many of us will be "spending less", it was our hope that people would consider "giving more" by making some if not all of this year's holiday purchases fair trade crafts items. We featured food products from the Women's Bean Project, woven and beaded goods from the Guatemalan women affiliated with Maya Works, jewelry made by HIV+ Ugandan women through Bead for Life, hand knit goods from the Bolivian women of Kullakas, soaps and lotions from the Enterprising Kitchen--just to name a few of the not-for-profits we highlighted. All in all, we must have had over 200 people come through the door, and we raised close to $3,000, most of it for poor and struggling women. 

A team of us affiliated with the Franciscan Retreat Center in Tampa got together to hold the craft sale, which didn't take as much work as you would have thought, since many other people came out to volunteer to set up the booths, sell the items and even clean up afterwards. It really wound up being a lot of fun, and got everyone involved in the holiday spirit. Of course, the delicious, warm-out-of-the-oven cookies Roxanne made, and the festive music, added to the whole ambiance, as did the already peaceful environment of the Franciscan Center itself. We were pleased that all our vendors did very well, and all our customers left happy! 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I know this sounds hokey, but really, so many of us have so much to be thankful for, despite the tough times many of us are facing. When I get together and do something like this fair trade crafts sale with other like-minded women, I just feel good for days! And it reminds me of all the little things I have to be grateful for: a roof over my head, enough money for food, friends and associates whom I care for, meaningful work. Many, many women the world over--some of them right down the street from us-- do not have even these basic necessities, or are struggling mightily to provide them for their loved ones. In the spirit of the season, I invite each and everyone of my readers to remember this holiday season--a time of year that is all about hope, charity and gratitude-- to try and do even one small thing for someone in need. You don't need to go out and throw a holiday fair trade craft sale--although it was a blast and we'll be doing it bigger and better next year! A holiday sing-along at a hospital or nursing home, donating fruit to a food pantry, or giving a blanket to a homeless shelter, may well be the best holiday gift you wind up  giving...to yourself!