For the people you love and to whom you want to give a holiday gift, but yet they have everything they want or need already, there exists the category of alternative gift. This is a gift given to a needy cause in honor and memory of someone you would designate. There are many agencies which sponsor such programs. One which has been active for a very long time is the Heifer Project. Another one is GIFTS FOR LIFE, sponsored by Episcopal Relief and Development. These agencies have websites and catalogues from which you can order.

OR…..you can visit our Parish Hall following the services on December 3rd or 10th and purchase a card crafted to indicate that you have made a gift in your loved one’s honor to the Clean Water Project of Episcopal Relief and Development. The installation of functioning and sanitary wells and water systems in remote villages by Episcopal Relief and Development not only insures clean drinking water for the entire village, but it also frees women, whose job it has traditionally been to haul water from distant sources, to contribute otherwise to sustenance and care for their families. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, write a check to Episcopal Relief and Development for $10, put it in the basket with the display, and take a card with a stamped envelope to send to your loved one. Good Shepherd will forward all the donations to Episcopal Relief and Development. Note: all contributions to ERD have the highest amount possible going directly to the specific cause described, as administrative costs are covered by the Episcopal Church