International Craft Market to be held by local church

The Joy Circle of the First Presbyterian Church, 134 Beal Parkway SW in Fort Walton Beach, will hold its 16th annual SERRV International Craft Market in the Fellowship Hall of the church with handmade craft and food items from 26 countries around the world available for sale.

SERRV International was founded by the Church of the Brethren and has been offering fairly traded craft and food items for sale, often through markets held by local churches, for more than 60 years. The previous markets held by First Presbyterian Church have been widely appreciated by people in the community as they love the opportunity to shop for items from foreign countries without having to travel.

Market hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 12, 19 and 26.

For more than 60 years, SERRV has worked to eradicate poverty through direct connections with low income artisans and farmers. They market their locally produced crafts and foods, find joint solutions to their challenges, and help them grow and embrace the future. SERRV supports their artisans and farmer partners in making sustainable development choices with materials and production techniques, financial resources and social programs that benefit entire communities. SERRV partners are given a voice and are treated with respect. They earn a fair income, send their children to school, develop projects like community wells and clinics, to create a better future with renewed dignity. As a non profit organization, SERRV uses all proceeds from purchases and donations to promote these values in the 32 countries where they work. SERRV's experience has taught them that breaking the cycle of poverty builds stronger societies, economies and peace. One of SERRV's mottos is: "The best way to stop poverty is to pay people fairly for their work."

When you come to the market, you will see jewelry, decorator items, spices from South Africa, best chocolate ever, door stops, hand bags, musical instruments, nativities, Easter eggs, Easter bunnies, heart covered containers, door stops, book ends, covered boxes, wonderful new items in bright cheerful colors, scarves, hand bags, games, elephants of all sorts, items carved from wood or soapstone, fairly traded coffee and teas, trivets, mirrors, wall hooks, decorative boxes and containers, ornaments, toys, and many more items. Talk to anyone who has been to a previous market and they will tell you how fun and interesting and inspiring it is to see what has been created for our enjoyment.

For more information call the church at 243-3732.