The Alternative Christmas Market is a gift-giving alternative provided by the Missions Committee at St. Andrew, perfect for that hard to buy for person on your list who has everything they need. You can choose to donate to a local mission (YWCA Women’s Shelter or Tippecanoe County United Food Pantry) or an international mission (Africa University Farm through UMCOR) and you will receive a card to give the recipient with information about the mission. You can make your donation in-person or give online. To give online, go to our giving page.

About the Missions:

The Greater Lafayette YWCA is dedicated to empowering women and their families to meet their needs and succeed in life.  A critical part of that objective is the Violence Protection Program which includes the services of the emergency shelter for women and families which have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault or other forms of abuse. The women’s shelter provides 24/7 safe and confidential shelter as well as case management including legal support, child care, and help to find employment and housing and  continued counseling as well as other services   The Oasis group has made a bracelet which depicts the Life of Jesus which you will receive as a token of your donation. 

The Tippecanoe County United Food Pantry Inc. is supported by Church Women United which represents 35 churches including St. Andrew UMC.  It serves an average of 512 Tippecanoe County households (1695 individuals) per month. The volunteer staff manage the food distribution 2 days per week for 2.5 hours each day. While many of you contribute canned food items your donation will support purchase of milk, eggs and other food as well as costs of maintenance and repairs for the site. 

United Methodist Committee on Relief is the global humanitarian aid organization of the United Methodist Church.  One hundred percent of donations are directed to an earmarked project or relief effort. One of the current projects that UMCOR is providing support for is the farm at Africa University (AU) which provides both educational and research opportunities for the students in raising crops and livestock. The goal of the Agricultural Department is to train students to help small farmers in Zimbabwe and surrounding countries to improve agricultural practices, and consequently provide nutritious food and increased income for the communities that suffer from poverty and malnutrition. Your donation to this UMCOR Advance Project will support that effort. 

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