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 provide much-needed income to Third World artisans enabling them to feed, house, and educate their families.
And for several evenings this holiday season shoppers can also support favorite charities, because Ten Thousand Villages will donate a percentage of the evening’s sales to non-profit organizations working to improve the community and the world. Representatives of the charities will be on hand each evening.
Ten Thousand Villages is located at 915 King Street. Call 703-684-1435 or visit www.alexandria.tenthousandvillages.com.
Saturday, Nov. 17, 6-8 p.m.: Phoenix Bikes, an Arlington-based bicycle shop which, through bike repair, mechanics, and sales, gives local youth the necessary skills and education to prepare them for the future, while providing customers affordable, refurbished bikes and repair services. www.phoenixbikes.org
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6-8 p.m.: Shelter House, 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. www.shelterhouse.org
Saturday, Dec. 1, 7-9 p.m.: 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. www.computercore.org
Sunday, Dec. 2, 4-6 pm: Give to the World, an international organization that provides medicine, clothing toys, school supplies and other goods to needy families around the world. www.givetotheworld.org
Thursday, Dec. 6, 7-9 pm: Luke’s Wings, which arranges air travel for families of wounded veterans recovering in U.S. military hospitals. www.lukeswings.org
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 6-8 pm: Latin America Working Group Education Fund, which promotes human rights, justice, peace and sustainable development throughout Latin America. www.lawg.org
Thursday, Dec. 13, 7-9 pm: Haiti-Micah Project, which works to assist the street children of Mirebalais, Haiti by providing food, clean water, health care, education, vocational training and emotional well being. www.Haiti-Micah.org
Thursday, Dec. 20, 7-9 pm: Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, which works to reduce homelessness, increase community support, and promote self-sufficiency in Fairfax County. www.goodhousing.org