The Kirkland Interfaith Network (KIN) Alternative Giving Fair has been encouraging people to donate to charities instead of buying an endless stream of gifts for more than 20 years.

“The purpose of the fair is for people to examine their holiday gift-giving process … and see how they can make a difference in someone’s life,” Sharon Sherrard, KIN board chairperson, said. “We’ve been very successful over the years.”

This year’s Alternative Giving Fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 and noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 13 at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. Approximately 15 social service organizations, both local and international, will participate. They include Heifer International, Lutheran World Relief, Lifewire, Hopelink, Opal House Guatemala, Kids4Peace, APOPO, Redeeming Soles, The Sophia Way, Camp Unity and Farms for Life. Each organization participating in the fair gives examples of what certain levels of donations will provide for people.

The fair organizers suggest instead of getting someone a gift, you donate to an organization in the recipient’s name. The organizations at the fair will even give you information after you’ve donated to present as a gift this holiday season.

Sherrard said it’s a great event for families, as children learn about taking responsibility for helping others.

For those gift givers who are concerned about not having a physical present to give to a loved one, on Saturday only, the Alternative Giving Fair also will have merchandise from Ten Thousand Villages, a Seattle-based company that only sells handmade, fair trade items.

For more information about KIN or the Alternative Giving Fair, visit kirklandinterfaith.net.