Gifts That Give Hope Lancaster (GTGH), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting other nonprofits through meaningful, alternative gift-giving, will host its fifth annual Gift Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 17, at the Farm and Home Center, in Lancaster. Alternative gifts include school tuition for a young child, food for a family in need or musical instruments for underfunded schools. Buyers receive an elegant card that can be passed along as a holiday present, acknowledging the organization supported and the gift purchased.

The event will feature 30 local, national and international nonprofits, such as Aarons Acres, CASA of Lancaster County, HOPE International, Operation Homefront, TeacHaiti School of Hope and Water Street Health Services. Shoppers can peruse tables hosted by the organizations and purchase alternative gifts that will directly benefit their missions.

This year, the Gift Fair is introducing reusable shopping bags that attendees can use to receive percentage-off discounts at participating local stores, including Wendy Jo’s Bakery, at Central Market; Aaron’s Books; Lancaster Creative ReUse; and EcoLoco Fair Trade Gift Store, in Lititz. “This was the perfect opportunity to further promote supporting small, local businesses,” says event co-chair Jennifer Knepper. The fair’s first 500 shoppers will receive a complimentary bag.

Attendees can also enjoy family-friendly activities, courtesy of Lighten Up Lancaster and Music Together Lancaster. GTGH will collect books to support Alyssa’s Bedtime Stories and will provide a children’s shopping list, comprising ideas for inexpensive gifts. Change Purse will collect gently used handbags to raise awareness and money to combat sex trafficking.

At networking tables, shoppers can explore local nonprofits that need volunteers, and a fair trade table will be filled with items like chocolate, coffee and jewelry. Food and beverages are being provided by local vendors, such as Rachel’s Creperie, Square One Coffee, Rice and Noodles, and Tortina Bakery. After the Gift Fair, items will be available for purchase online through mid-December.

Location: 1383 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster. To learn more and see the full list of participating nonprofits, visit GiftsThatGiveHope.org/Lancaster. To support alternative gift giving throughout the year, GTGH gifts will be available online and at EcoLoco, 55 E. Main St., Lititz.