As one of the world’s largest and oldest fair trade organizations, Ten Thousand Villages cultivates long-term buying relationships in which artisans receive a fair price for their work, and consumers have access to gifts, accessories, and home décor from around the world. Ten Thousand Villages is a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and a certified member of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF).
For Adams County residents, the Ten Thousand Gift Festival and Rug Sale (formerly known as the International Gift Festival) has been a long-standing tradition—since 1961, actually—six decades! The Fairfield Mennonite Church hosted this sale from its inception until it moved to the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County in 2022.
The mission of Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit fair trade organization that markets handcrafted products made by disadvantaged artisans from more than 120 artisan groups in more than 35 countries, aligns with that of the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County – eliminating racism, empowering women, promoting peace, freedom, dignity, and justice for all.
The YWCA is very excited to once again invite the community to our facility at 909 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg , on October 30 and 31 (10 AM – 6 PM), Nov. 1 (10 AM – 8 PM), and Nov. 2 (10 AM – 5 PM).
Ten Thousand Villages encourages artisans to employ production methods that are environmentally sustainable and to use recycled and natural materials whenever possible. In 2007, Ten Thousand Villages redesigned stores to minimize environmental impact in order to meet what they call their “triple bottom line” of economic, environmental and social sustainability.
Ten Thousand Villages offers handmade home décor and gifts from around the world, including baskets, sculptures, jewelry, instruments, toys, tableware, planters, linens, stationery, various holiday items and other accessories. The sale will also feature fair trade food items such as chocolate, tea, rice, dried fruit, and coffee.
There is something here for anyone and everyone – from children (and grandchildren) to that almost impossible-to-please friend or relative.
As with any non-profit event, volunteers are the lifeblood of our success. Volunteers are needed primarily for the setup on October 29 and during the sales as greeters and helpers. If you are interested in becoming more involved as a volunteer, please contact Nancy Lilley at 717-334-9171, ext. 115, or nlilley@ywcagettysburg.org. If your school group or organization is looking for a volunteer opportunity, please contact Nancy as well.