First Presbyterian offers gifts that give back

Jan Jackson, left, tries to pick a favorite from the gift baskets offered at the Caregiver Relief Program booth at the Gifts from the Heart Market Saturday while Dianne Whitwell looks on. The unique gift bazaar offers the chance to help nonprofit organizations and get some shopping done at the same time. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

At the Gifts from the Heart market held Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, the tables held more than holiday decorations and unique gift items for that hard-to-shop-for person. Each booth offered information -- and a chance to help.

The Child Development Center, the Next Step Home, the Caregiver Relief Program and many others gave shoppers the chance to buy more than knickknacks. Patrons donated money in honor of a another person and cards will be sent to those honorees, letting them know of the gift made in their name.

Often, many of the booths also had some tangible offerings for the donors as well, from the Christmas cards made by the CDC children to baskets of Christmas goodies.

"It's for a good cause," said Jan Jackson, purchasing one of the baskets. "Of that, I'm positive."

"We've done pretty good," said Dianne Whitwell with the Caregiver Relief Program, which sends nurses into the homes of those needing them to teach and help their families. "The weather hasn't been very cooperative, but it's better than it could have been."

Her booth offered several baskets or containers filled with books, treats and other fun items.

Linda Johnson said the Child Development Center had good results at the Gifts from the Heart Market, almost selling out of baked goods. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"One of our caregivers made them," she said. "Her mother is in the program and she wanted to be involved, She did a fabulous job."

"It's a little slower than last year," said Kristin Conley with the Center for Family Development, saying both the weather and the economy may have affected turnout.

Laura Beth Clardy, dropping off a donation at the booth, said she comes out for more than one reason.

"I love to come and talk to everybody and see everybody," she said. "Right before the holidays is a good time to give."

Other booths that set up in the church's fellowship hall were Equal Exchange (which had organic coffee, tea, and cocoa for sale), Haven For Hope, 10,000 Villages, Good Samaritan, Habitat For Humanity, Center for Family Development, Living Waters for the World Mission Team, MTSU Presbyterian Student Fellowship and the Presbyterian Women Cookbooks.

HOW TO HELP

All of these organizations will continue to offer the chance to give and have those gifts be recognized.

Child Development Center: 684-9203

The Next Step Home: P.O. Box 378, Shelbyville TN 37162

Caregiver Relief Program: 685-9039

Haven of Hope: 680-3005

10,000 Villages: www.tenthousandvillages.com

Equal Exchange: www.equalexchange.coop

Good Samaritan Association: 684-8160

Habitat For Humanity: 684-4300

Center for Family Development: 684-4676

Living Waters for the World Mission Team, MTSU Presbyterian Student Fellowship, and the Presbyterian Women Cookbooks: First Presbyterian Church, 684-6451