Local churches and organizations are working on a variety of projects for the second annual Marion County Alternative Gift Market 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. Saturday at Marion Presbyterian Church. In addition to helping worthy nonprofits, shoppers will be able to purchase chicken and noodles for lunch.
This year’s market will feature 27 individuals and groups representing 35 local, national, and international projects. Patrons can contribute to a charity of their choice in the name of their gift recipient and receive an ornament or card.
Some of the participating organizations and projects include Stepping Stones Preschool supporting children’s checkups in Mexico; Marion City Library sponsoring Books for the Joy of Reading; Critter Connection doggy day care supporting Yaks for Youth; and the Marion High School Honor Society has adopted a project sponsoring medicine for backpack health care workers in Burma.
All proceeds will support the Marion County Food Bank. There will live music from local musicians featured.
Sponsoring booths this year are Marion Presbyterian Church, Marion Christian Church, Eastmoor United Methodist Church, Valley United Methodist Church, Good News Christian Fellowship, Marion Library, Stepping stones Preschool, Circles of Marion County, and three Girl Scout Troops.