Ten Thousand Villages Charitable Shopping Event

Globally conscious DC-area residents have known for years that when they buy gifts from Ten Thousand Villages — a non-profit, fair trade retail store in Old Town, Alexandria — they are actually “giving twice.” Not only do they find unique handmade items for their loved ones, they help provide much-needed income to Third World artisans who would otherwise be unemployed, enabling them to feed and house their families and send their children to school. 

And for four special evenings this holiday season shoppers can also support favorite charities, because Ten Thousand Villages will donate 20 percent of the evening’s sales to local non-profit organizations working to improve our community and the world.

• November 17, 6-8 pm: Shelter House, Inc., which works with homeless families in Northern Virginia and whose mission is to break the cycle of homelessness for families and victims of domestic violence in Fairfax County by providing crisis intervention, temporary housing and supportive services to promote self sufficiency. www.shelterhouse.org
• December 3, 7-9 pm: Good Shepherd Housing, which works to reduce homelessness, increase community support, and promote self-sufficiency in Fairfax County.  www.goodhousing.org
• December 8, 7-9 pm: SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia, which seeks to prevent child abuse by educating the community, educating and supporting parents, and advocating for children in the community and the courts. www.scanva.org
• December 17, 7-9 pm: Computer C.O.R.E. of Alexandria, which works to help low-income adults acquire the technological and life skills they need to pursue their career aspirations. Many low-income adults do not have these skills, and local businesses need more skilled workers. www.computercore.org