UPDATE (12/26/24):
Thank you for your extraordinary generosity to our community ministry partners and to the Threshold Fund through your support of the 2024 Alternative Gift Market and Giving Tree! 160 tags were taken from the Giving Tree, and additional gifts were purchased through the wish lists for Lowell Elementary School and Mary's Place and delivered to those organizations directly. On top of all those gifts, an additional $1,502 was given to purchase gifts and gift cards for Casa Latina, Lambert House, Lowell Elementary, and Mary's Place.
At the Alternative Gift Market itself, a total of $836 was given to L’Arche Seattle, Operation Nightwatch, Seattle Seafarers Center, and Underhill House.
After adding up proceeds from the sale of treasures, handicrafts, and treats made or given by Saint Mark's parishioners, along with donations made at the event, a total of $3,416.50 was raised for the Threshold Fund. We're look forward to another great Gift Market next year!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 10 A.M.–1 P.M. (following the 9 and 11 a.m. services), Bloedel Hall
You won’t want to miss this year’s Alternative Gift Market on Sunday, November 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Bloedel Hall. This year's market will include unique handmade items you won’t find anywhere else, a bake sale with delicious treats, opportunities to donate to meaningful causes, and more.
New this year, the Treasure Tables will be full of beautiful, fun and unique items including Christmas ornaments and decorations, children’s toys and books, art and picture frames, gift books, puzzles, jewelry and accessories, unique collectibles and housewares, and items that are hand- knitted, crocheted, quilted or embroidered. There will be a special Secret Santa Shop with items especially for kids to purchase! You can expect:
One-of-a-kind handmade items from the Quilt Ministry, the Ministry of Worsted Wool, and our neighbors at the Seattle Weavers' Guild
Dried flower creations from the Flower Ministry
Donation Certificates to include in your Christmas Cards to family and loved ones, indicating that you have given a donation to one of our partner organizations in their honor, as a meaningful alternative to typical gifts.
Hot cider, cocoa, coffee, tea, and baked goods
Holiday tunes on the piano by David Poortinga, 10 to 11 a.m.
The proceeds from this event benefit our community partner organizations: Lowell Elementary School, Casa Latina, Mary’s Place, Lambert House, Operation Nightwatch, Seattle Seafarers Center, L’Arche Seattle, Underhill House, and the Threshold Fund.
Sign up to help or contribute
Your help is needed to set up and put the finishing touches on some projects on Saturday, November 23, and to staff tables during the market and help clean up on Sunday, November 24.
Sign-up form for AGM Support Saturday & Sunday, November 23 & 24
Donation are being accepted for the Bake Sale.
Sign-up form for the Bake Sale
Ways to participate
There are many ways to participate in the Alternative Gift Market! Come to Bloedel Hall any time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 24 to see everything that is on offer.
- Purchase a unique item from the Treasure Tables with vintage, gently used, new, or handcrafted items donated by Saint Mark’s parishioners and ministries. Proceeds from the Treasure Tables benefit the Threshold Fund.
- Children are invited to shop for family members and caregivers in the Secret Santa Shop in the Bloedel Stage Room, where all items are specially priced to fit a child’s budget, from $1 to $5. These purchases benefit the Threshold Fund.
- Enjoy hot cider, cocoa, coffee, tea, and baked goods! These purchases also benefit the Threshold Fund.
- Drop off donations for Seattle Seafarers Center. The Mission to Seafarers gives much-appreciated gifts to hundreds of ship-bound workers each year at the holidays, and they will be present at the Gift Market accepting donations of hand-knit hats, full size toiletries (shampoo, body wash, shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, razors, individually wrapped toothbrushes), and candy/snacks.
- Take a tag from the Giving Tree. The 2024 Giving Tree will be available in the cathedral from November 23 through December 6, filled with tags for gifts to Lowell, Casa Latina, Mary’s Place, and Lambert House, including gift cards as well as toys and other items. Giving Tree gifts are due back to the cathedral by 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 8, so they can be distributed to recipients in a timely fashion.
- You can also make a donation to one of our partner organizations a the Gift Market. If you wish, you may give a gift on behalf of a loved one, as a meaningful alternative to a more commercial Christmas gift.
NOTE: This year, there is just one way to pay! All purchases and donations at the Alternative Gift Market are made through Saint Mark’s Cathedral and distributed to the partner organizations. You’ll have a check-out card which table hosts will mark for you. Each person’s donations and purchases will be tallied and paid for before you leave Bloedel Hall.
As an alternative to picking up a tag on the Giving Tree, you are welcome to use of the following wish lists. These gifts and gift cards are also needed at the cathedral no later than Sunday, December 8.
- for Lowell Elementary: Lowell Holiday Gift Wish List.
- for Mary’s Place: Mary's Place Holiday Gift Wish List.
- for Casa Latina, please drop off gift cards in the amount of $25 for either Target or Fred Meyer.
- UPDATE: for Lambert House, please drop off gift cards in the amount of $25 for Amazon, Target, Kroger/QFC/Fred Meyer, or Safeway/Albertsons
Drop off donations at the cathedral on Sundays or at the cathedral offices Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
