Whether you wait to pull out Christmas decorations or have already, it’s never too early to begin your holiday shopping. If your gift list needs something special, look no further than the 24^th annual Alternative Christmas Fair hosted by Hope Lutheran Church of Farmington Hills.

The Alternative Christmas Fair was pioneered by Jessica Beamer and others at Hope with a mission to provide charities, non-profits, and service organizations an occasion to present goods for sale, while shoppers get the chance to learn about local, national, and international charities. Each participating organization offers unique gifts for purchase or opportunities to donate. Every dollar of the proceeds goes back to the participating organizations to continue their good work. There will also be a "Sweet Street" offering homemade baked goods for sale, which helps cover administrative expenses with net proceeds going to one or more organizations chosen by the Alternative Christmas Fair Committee.

Over the years, the Alternative Christmas Fair has successfully raised more than half a million dollars for well over 100 charities, including Blessed Birthdays, the non-profit founded by an eleven-year-old Anika Jane Beamer in 2012. The event is back Saturday, November 11, from 10 am until 2 pm. If you hope to get a jump on your holiday shopping, check out the event’s flyer to find out more or to learn about some of the vendors participating this year!