Here is the view from Angela Alverado, a visitor to the market:

As the Christmas season quickly approaches, we begin to dread overcrowded malls, overpriced gifts and impossible to find parking spots. Sometimes shopping for loved ones becomes more of a headache then a time of joy. However, don’t throw in the towel just yet because there is a simple solution to your worries. This year I attended the 2nd annual Christians Ending Poverty Alternative Christmas Market held at the San Marcos Civic Center. The event hosting several organizations and churches was held on a beautiful Saturday afternoon from 1-4 pm.

Having never attended such an event, I was extremely curious and excited for the new experience. Upon my arrival I was immediately welcomed by the CEP booth where I was given information about the event. After reading some of the material I continued on to the main hall where I enjoyed some tasteful refreshments and watched videos from participating vendors. I found the videos both educational and highly effective in illustrating how the organizations help make a difference in people’s lives. When the videos were finished I made my way back outside and began my shopping adventure. While walking through the market I was amazed by all of the beautifully unique items that were hand made in various countries. I saw everything from jewelry, purses, coffee, wood carvings, ornaments and baskets. Each table had incredible items and informative literature about the marvelous people that make them. The literature is a great tool because it not only gives background information on the specific causes; it also lists ways for anyone who is interested to help out. I had an eye opening experience that day while exploring the different organizations and purchasing gifts for family and friends.

At the end of the day I felt a mix of emotions. I felt fortunate for what I have and inspired to help others who are less fortunate. I also felt great that the purchases I made were going to help in a big way. The alternative gift market is a brilliant idea because you can buy well priced one of kind items for your loved ones and the proceeds go to help others who are in greater need. I would recommend the gift market to everyone because it’s an experience that will open their eyes to the desperate conditions and needs of people around the world. Everyone who goes to the gift market will also get a chance to see how different organizations and average citizens are helping to change these conditions. People will also get a sense of hope as they get educated and purchase some magnificent items. This event will definitely put anyone in the giving spirit and I now look forward to it next year

CEP member Cory Verner has launched a really useful, interesting and informative web site.

Back in June Cory made a commitment to intentionally spend at least an hour a day working to end poverty. This is a log of how he spends his hour, and a collation of moving and informative videos, articles, books etc. Here’s how Cory introduces his HourChallenge site:

“The more I learn about the injustices that cause global poverty, the more I am convinced that I must act. And so, this blog is a personal manifesto of sorts and part of my small effort to do something to help in this fight.”

Now, here’s the challenge. We urge YOU to commit to spending an hour a day, an hour a week or even just an hour a month fighting to end poverty. Blog Cory and share your hopes, successes and frustrations. You can get ideas about what to do here. But basically it comes down to this; Pray, Read, Learn More, Talk (to others) and Write (to those who have the power to implement systemic change) and now you can even Run or Bike to raise awareness and funds! Take the HourChallenge!