St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Valencia will hold its annual Alternative Gift Fair on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5 and 6. The event offers holiday shoppers the opportunity to avoid scrambling for gifts for friends and family while giving back to the community and even to those in need in other parts of the world while honoring loved ones at the very same time.

Instead of purchasing materialistic things (more “stuff” that people don’t really need), shoppers can do something important to help make the world a better place. Gifts of peace and justice, life sustaining help for education, food and shelter, trees, fresh water, medicine and much more are offered for shoppers ‘consideration at the Fair.

Exhibitors include Ten Thousand Villages, one of the founding members of the Fair Trade Association which offers shoppers beautiful hand-made craft items from over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Truly one-of-a-kind items unlikely to be found anywhere else in the area.

In addition, many other charities will be on hand to offer gift suggestions, such as Episcopal Relief & Development, Angel Interfaith Network, Beads for Life (from Africa), Church World Services, Nets for Life (malaria prevention), SCV Safe Rides and the SCV Homeless Shelter.

Hours are Saturday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6, from noon to 3 p.m. in Spurling Hall on the campus of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 24901 Orchard Village Road. Admission is free and parking is available in the adjacent lot. For more information call the church office Monday-Friday at 661-259-7307.