By Brandi Watters, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON, Ind. — After Becky Arthur’s grandchildren saw the new Sandra Bullock movie, “The Blind Side,” the children pondered out loud how they could help others.
Overhearing this conversation, Arthur decided to do it for them, and found the perfect opportunity during Sunday’s Season of Giving Alternative Gift Fair hosted by Anderson University.
Instead of finding candy and toys in their stockings this Christmas, Arthur’s grandchildren will receive an envelope with a small card noting that a donation has been made in their name to a local charity or nonprofit organization.
The alternative gift fair, in its second year, allowed dozens of area residents to find similar unique gift ideas, helping others in the process.
Beth Harpe, one of the events coordinators, said the gift fair allows shoppers to give something worthwhile, rather than a material object that might be eventually discarded.
A row of tables representing 17 local nonprofit organizations was formed in Reardon Auditorium Sunday, allowing locals to “buy” meaningful gifts in the form of donations.
Volunteers from the Madison County Humane Society sat with two terrier puppies in their arms, luring donors with the “cute” factor.
The organization has said that it could close its doors in February if it continues to operate without many donations from the community. It houses over 100 homeless pets.
The gifts, although unique, were not very expensive.
Ten dollars could be used to purchase a mosquito net for a child in the Third World, according to Linda Mason of Children of Promise, an organization that serves children in the underdeveloped nations of the world.
A $25 gift provides one doctor’s visit, a winter coat and two treated mosquito nets or rain gear, the organization advertised.
After making a contribution to the organization of their choice, shoppers were given a card and envelope that could be decorated with calligraphy letters and bows.
Since her mom and dad seem to have everything, Michelle Connell of Anderson decided not to try and buy them another gift from a store.
With little to spend since she’s been laid off from her job, Connell decided on gifting a charitable donation to Dove Harbor, a local organization that serves homeless women and children.
Dorothy Kelley admitted that she didn’t have much to give, but managed to “buy” gifts from three organizations.
“I don’t have much, but what I do have, I’ll share,” she said.
Contact Brandi Watters 640-4847, brandi.watters@heraldbulletin.com
