South Portland-Has the commercialism of the season got you down? The Alternative Gift Market and Fair Trade Crafts Sale at Southern Maine Community College is a perfect way to get into the real spirit of the season and help others all over the world. The event will be held in the Campus Center at 2 Fort Road on Friday, December 4, from 11 am to 3 pm, and Saturday, December 5, from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission is free.

Give a gift to the world by purchasing life-sustaining gifts in honor of your friends, family, and associates, such as uniforms and books for children in DR Congo, a sewing machine for female entrepreneurs in India, or tools, seeds, and training for farmers in Honduras. A card will be provided to give as an alternative gift, reading, "A gift has been given in your name to the following organization."

All donations through the purchase of alternative gifts are tax-deductible.