About the AGM
37th Annual Alternative Gift Market
2026
Saturday, November 21 (9am-3pm)
Sunday, November 22 (10am-1pm)
United Church of Chapel Hill
The Alternative Gift Market is an annual event open to the public where you can find “Gifts That Give Twice.” Every purchase (for yourself or a loved one) supports a vital mission somewhere in the world. Vendors often include: jewelry made by a women’s cooperative in Guatemala, handmade paper products from Nicaragua, locally made jam, goods made by rescued trafficked women in Bangladesh, ceramics from area potters, wool goods from local sheep, pecans, fair trade coffee, Palestinian olive oil, original Christmas ornaments, beautiful hand knit and woven items, our “Joyas de Joy” jewelry resale, and much more! Proceeds from the market support: Church World Service (CWS), Habitat for Humanity, and Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC).
For Vendors
The 2026 vendor application form will be available be soon. Please contact Kati (kruark@unitedchurch.org) to be added to the vendor mailing list.
The Alternative Gift Market is a festive opportunity for the community to purchase high-quality gifts for the holidays, while supporting wonderful local and global causes. The vendors are typically non-profit organizations, but a limited number of individuals/groups or businesses who donate a portion of their proceeds to a charitable organization are allowed.
2026 table fees: $60 for one table; $110 for two tables
Requests after October 1: $85 for one table; $150 for two tables
Bring a vendor and your table is free. That’s right: If you recommend a vendor that we approve, you get one table FREE. Potential vendors must be associated with a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency or other charitable organization.
God’s Bidding Online Auction
UCCH members offer time, talent, and treasure in this silent auction as another way to support Church World Service, the Inter-Faith Council, and Orange County Habitat for Humanity. Bidding opens on the first day of the AGM and ends in early December. Items may include vacation rentals, delicious baked goods, event tickets, holiday foods, trips to the airport, home improvement services, and more. Bidders have 14 days to bid, and winners coordinate directly with donors to receive their item.
The 2026 auction opens Saturday November 21 at 9am (the first day of the AGM), and closes at 12 pm on December 4. Click here to explore this year’s auction items.
Please contact Henry Lister (halister@bellsouth.net or 919-215-9030) to donate items or for more information on the Market or Church World Service’s Welcome Home project or the IFC’s Family Support program.
Peacemaking Scholarship Concert
Date: Friday, November 20, 2026 | 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: United Church of Chapel Hill Sanctuary
A benefit concert for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Peacemaking Scholarship has historically coincided with the Alternative Gift Market. Our 2026 concert will be presented by SONAM (Singers of New and Ancient Music). In lieu of tickets, a freewill offering will be taken to benefit the scholarship fund, which provides monetary awards to local high school seniors who aspire to a career in peacemaking.