On December 4, First Presbyterian Church hosted the 2011 Holiday Benevolence Market.  Over $11,000 was raised to help non-profits in the greater Athens area.  It's not too late, however, to participate!  Click here for the brochure and here for a personal shopping list. Donations will be accepted until the end of the year and can be mailed to First Presbyterian Church: 185 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601. You may also "shop" on Sundays in the Atrium or by calling the church office at 706-543-4338. Shopping lists and gift cards are also available at the the reception desk.

The Holiday Benevolence Market began in 1994 as a joint venture between First Presbyterian member Mary Burton and the First Presbyterian Outreach committee.  In 2003, other Athens congregations joined.  This year, 10 churches and the United Way are participating, and more than 28 nonprofit organizations are represented at the market.

Patrons are given a “shopping list” that includes all of the agencies represented and items that can be “purchased.” The list includes a range of prices. For example, a shopper might buy a box of nails for $10 that will be used in building a Habitat for Humanity house. Or, for $100, a child can be sent to the Extra Special People summer camp for a week.

Special thanks to this year's sponsors:  Covenant Presbyterian Church, First AME Church, First Baptist Church, First Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Milledge Avenue Baptist Church, Oconee Street United Methodist Church, St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, and United Way of NE Georgia.