Sundays, December 1st, 8th and 15th or online.

Gifts that give twice! During Advent, the Alternative Christmas Market gives us the opportunity to share our blessings with others, near and far. Make a gift in honor of those you love, to any or all of these four nonprofit organizations described below.

A gift to Church World Service sends the warmth of blankets to those in need around the world, and supports their lesser-known work of advocacy for LGBTQ rights and protections.

A gift to Heifer International with its global outreach will send a domestic farm animal of your choice or honeybees with hives, to a needy family in another country, to be shared with the entire village.

A gift to Loaves and Fishes will feed the hungry in Hartford, including those who come to Immanuel’s Soup Kitchen, were not only meals, but help and support are provided.

A gift to Hands on Hartford will provision a food pantry, as well as providing meals and counseling services aimed at combating hunger and homelessness in the Hartford area. Gift cards to their unique restaurant, Gather 55 on Bartholomew Avenue in Hartford, which is designed to support their mission word, will be available for purchase.

You will find church volunteers at tables in Fellowship Hall after Sunday services on December 1st, 8th and 15th. They will accept check or cash in support of any or all of these organizations.

You can also donate online using the giving page accessible at Immanuel’s website: Use the donation line and type in the name of the organization to which you are donating in the comment space.

And we may have a surprise organization to which you may contribute! Thank you for your generous giving!

Your Social Action and Mission Team