Alternative Christmas

The Alternative Christmas Market encourages individuals, families and congregations to look for creative ways of celebrating Christmas that are consistent with Christian tradition -- including gifts of love, friendship, and service that may cost no money at all. Also needed are gifts which lift people out of the cycle of poverty and dependence with food, clothing and other forms of emergency assistance.

We try to provide our congregation with the opportunity to give Christmas gifts that will bring the true joy of Christmas to the giver and to the recipient, those who are in need. The Alternative Christmas Market is also a great way to teach children about giving—giving that makes a difference in the world. We give choices of local, national, or international charities. 100% of the gift is passed on to the charities chosen.

Turning Point is a new regional domestic violence shelter in Delaware County. Its mission is to provide safe, secure, temporary shelter to victims of domestic violence and their children. This shelter will meet the deep needs of our greater community.

Most people don’t realize the staggering impact hunger has in Central Ohio. Soaring food prices and high unemployment mean too many families go to bed hungry.

Help supply Spring Break meals for food-insecure children at Salem Elementary and other school related needs.

In addition to all of the other challenges the people of Haiti face, they face the challenges of deforestation and hunger. Moringa trees help prevent erosion, and provide extremely nutritious leaves year round. Mark Hare, our mission co-worker (from Columbus!), coordinates a program to plant, care for, and harvest moringa. Your gift will help overcome hunger and malnutrition. 

We have supported a ministry in Romania for the Roma ("gypsy") people for many years. Now, Pastor Florin and his congregation in Romania are ALSO ministering to LOTS of Ukrainian refugees. Help the church in Romania to provide food, medicine, clothing, transportation and more to show God's love and care to the people of Ukraine.

PDA is deploying teams to affected presbyteries to meet with Presbyterian and community leadership to assist in coordinating relief efforts and mucking out homes and churches. After initial needs are addressed, PDA will remain—providing spiritual emotional care and long-term recovery to address unmet needs of those impacted. Through your prayerful gifts we draw hope out of the chaos.

“The Mountain of Light” orphanage in Honduras is home to children affected by HIV/AIDS. This is a special place where children can receive the safety, love, nutrition and medicine they deserve. Your gift will help provide nutritious food, medical care, and education. Gardens for Haiti: In countries like Haiti, a dry season can last five to seven months, posing challenges for food production. Container gardens allow families to grow food in smaller spaces with minimal expense, water and labor—providing them with essential nourishment and a source of income. This project is coordinated by Mark Hare, a member of our Presbytery, and his wife, Jenny Bent.