Holiday Happenings: Shop to Make a Difference Saturday

Holiday shopping season is in full swing, but two Reston events this weekend give opportunities to purchase gifts that will make a difference.

Reston Community Center Lake Anne will be a marketplace of food and gifts during the Gifts from the HeART Holiday Gift-Shopping Event on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event is in conjunction with the 15th AnnualGifts from the HeART Exhibition, which showcases original works of art in a variety of media, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, collage, stained glass, ceramic, sculpture, and mixed media, in a wide range of sizes and prices. The holiday reception on December 7 will offer the community a chance to purchase artwork and get into the holiday spirit with gift shopping and holiday refreshments.

Proceeds will help Cornerstones (Formerly Reston Interfaith) to help programs at Embry Rucker Community Shelter, the Laurel Learning Center and their Community Services Outreach, which includes job counseling, emergency food, and youth programs. Since the annual exhibit was first held in 1999, Gifts from the HeART has raised approximately $6,000 for the organization.

Also on Saturday, Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston (UUC) will hold its 13th annual Alternative Gift Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will more more than 30 booths featuring socially conscious gift ideas from local and international charitable organizations such as Heifer International and Amazon Adopt-a School Project. Check out the “Shopping List” on the church’s website to see a full list.

Donations are tax deductible. Cash and checks accepted.

UUC is located at 1625 Wiehle Avenue.

Photo of Gifts from the Heart 2012 Courtesy of Reston Community Center.