About the AGM
The Alternative Gift Market is an annual event open to the public where you can find “gifts that give twice.” Every purchase (for yourself or a loved one) supports a vital mission somewhere in the world. Vendors often include: jewelry made by a women’s cooperative in Guatemala, Gumcha4Health scarves from India, handmade paper products from Nicaragua, locally made jam, ceramics from area potters, wool goods from local sheep, pecans, fair trade coffee, Palestinian olive oil, original Christmas ornaments, beautiful hand knit and woven items, our “Joyas de Joy” jewelry resale, and much more! Proceeds from the market support: Church World Service (CWS), Habitat for Humanity, and Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC).
In 2025, the 36th AGM will be Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23. Check this page for updates!
For Vendors
The 2025 vendor application will be open in the spring. Please contact Kati (kruark@unitedchurch.org) to be added to the vendor mailing list, or come back to this page to find the application form.
The Alternative Gift Market is a festive opportunity for the community to purchase high-quality gifts for the holidays, while supporting wonderful local and global causes. The vendors are typically non-profit organizations, but a limited number of individuals/groups or businesses who donate a portion of their proceeds to a charitable organization are allowed.
2025 table fees: $60 for one table; $110 for two tables
God’s Bidding Online Auction
UCCH members offer time, talent, and treasure in this silent auction as another way to support CWS and the IFC. Bidding opens on the first day of the AGM and ends in early December. Items may include vacation rentals, delicious baked goods, event tickets, holiday foods, trips to the airport, home improvement services, and more.
Please contact Henry Lister (halister@bellsouth.net or 919-215-9030) to donate items or for more information on the Market or Church World Service’s Welcome Home project or the IFC’s Family Support program.
Peacemaking Scholarship Concert
A benefit concert for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Peacemaking Scholarship has historically coincided with the AGM. The 2025 concert will be two weeks before the market, on November 8.