When the Patterson family of Kennewick gives Christmas gifts this year, some will be donations instead of things.
They were among the families shopping Saturday for everything from part of a well for a village in a Third World country to a "Starting Over Kit" for Tri-Cities domestic violence victims at the Alternative Gift Fair at Community Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasco.
Erin Patterson said she liked the idea of the alternative gifts and felt that it would give sons Samuel, 8, and Isaac, 5, a great message about what they really value.
"It's a different way of seeing the holiday and it's less materialistic," said her husband Matt.
Representatives from 17 local, national and international charities were available to answer questions from shoppers.
Hayden Sprenkle, 18, of Richland, and other members of the Interfaith Youth Group of the Tri-Cities were hoping the fair would bring them closer to buying a well for a village in a Third World country.
They have raised $3,300 since starting the service project last year, and need $5,000 for a well, she said.
Charity Water, the nonprofit, will decide which community most needs the well, and people from that area will be hired to construct it, said Sean Truex, 18, of Richland. All the money raised will go directly to the well.
Lori Saueressig, office coordinator for Domestic Violence Services of Benton & Franklin Counties, said she was hoping to see donations for the agency's Starting Over Kits, which include a laundry basket filled with household items such as cleaning supplies, dishes, linens and a broom or a mop.
The shelter always is full, Saueressig said. And the families can bring their pets with them. The shelter even has some donated outdoor kennels for dogs.
Donations are what help keep Domestic Violence Services of Benton & Franklin Counties open to help domestic violence victims in the Tri-Cities area, she said.
It's the fifth year the congregation of Community Unitarian Universalist Church has held the Alternative Gift Fair.
The Rev. Craig Moro said the fair is one of the ways the congregation serves the community and sticks to its motto of joy and service. The church provides the space and the tables, and invites charities to attend.
And Teri Robertson, who helped organize the fair, said it offers an alternative to buying a bunch of things for holiday gifts.
It is a way to give and be connected to the community, said Moro, who planned to do some of his Christmas shopping at the fair.
Robertson said they hope to raise another $15,000 this year. In the past four years, the fair has helped raise $60,000 for charities.
As of Saturday evening, the fair had raised $13,587, she said. For those who couldn't make it to the fair, Robertson said donations still can be made so it still is possible that their goal will be reached.
Go to www.communityuu.org for the form, which the church must receive by Saturday.
