"Work of Human Hands" Bazaar

You can shop for one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, eco-friendly holiday gifts and make a direct global impact at the same time. The Fair Trade "Work of Human Hands" Bazaar will take place at Crofton’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish on Nov. 5 and 6.

The bazaar can help the quality of life for people in developing countries. Seton Parish and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) are teaming up to sponsor the "Work of Human Hands" holiday bazaar to help small-scale artisans and farmers in developing countries receive the benefits of fair trade. Proceeds from the event will go directly to help these workers provide sustainable income for their families while at the same time providing them with safe and healthy work places.

The church volunteers will sell crafts, along with Fair Trade coffee, chocolate and other food items. The purchase of one of these handcrafted gifts of jewelry, baskets and carvings will help those families.

CRS has been working for more than 60 years on behalf of the world's artisans and farmers, and this type of activity is only one of the services they provide. Through the Fair Trade program, artisans and farmers are offered prepayments for their work so families can sustain their businesses, learn new skills to develop their crafts and receive grants to expand their resources.

At the bazaar, there will also be a Secret Santa shop for children to purchase gifts for family members. Youth volunteers will be available to help children select items and then decorate gift bags.

Shopping times are Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Cash or checks will be accepted for payment. Come early for best selection.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish is located on Route 424 (Davidsonville Road) in Crofton.