Giving gifts at Christmas is a reality for most Americans. Consider that our country will spend more than 600 billion dollars on holiday shopping this year. That’s no small change…but we can affect change.
You and I may not reverse the tide in holiday giving, but what you give can last longer and help others beyond the profits of big box retailers.
If you want to give gifts that actually “give” something in return, consider these options for your family.
- WorldCrafts is a ministry of Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), where you can purchase sustainable, fair-trade gifts that help impoverished people around the world. For information about artisans and online shopping, visit worldcrafts.org.
- There are several organizations in Oklahoma where you can make purchases and support ministry efforts or specific artisans. Three organizations the BGCO Women’s office likes to support include kairos10.com, everydayministry.net and thepearlhouse.org.
- How about food items? The BGCO Women’s Office recommends Equal Exchange. Their mission is to offer food products in a fair and honest method that empowers both farmers and consumers. Whether you are looking for coffee, chocolate, tea or organic options, you can shop online at equalexchange.coop.
- How is your family participating in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? There are close to 4,800 Southern Baptist missionaries who rely on your support through the Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Last year, Southern Baptist international missionaries led more than 235,000 people to faith in Christ and baptized more than 114,000 new believers. If you want to make a gift that affects eternity, don’t forget to support the Lottie Moon offering through your local church. For more information, visit imb.org.