Host an online WorldCrafts party, support Children’s Homes

The Christmas shopping season is underway, and there’s a new way to shop with a cause, thanks to a partnership between WorldCrafts and Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries (ABCH).

This year, by hosting a one-month online WorldCrafts party, you or your church can support the ministries of ABCH, according to Emily Swader, WorldCrafts team leader for national Woman’s Missionary Union.

WorldCrafts, WMU’s global fair trade division, offers items made by artisans from all over the world with the goal of providing sustainable work for people in poverty. From necklaces and scarves to olive wood nativity sets, WorldCrafts industries keep women in business in 25 countries, even rescuing some from exploitation.

“Each of our artisans has the opportunity to earn an income with dignity and to hear the offer of eternal hope,” Swader said.

The new partnership with ABCH broadens WorldCrafts’ reach even more, she said. With every purchase made through your online party, 20 percent of the proceeds go to support the work of ABCH, which provides safe homes for children in need.

Sandy Wisdom-Martin, national WMU executive director, said it’s a natural fit for WorldCrafts.

“Most faith communities are aware of the foster care crisis in our country,” Wisdom-Martin said. “Many people have a desire to assist foster children but don’t know how or where to get started. This initiative through WorldCrafts can help create connections between churches and families and their local Baptist children and family ministry.”

WorldCrafts’ partnership with ABCH is part of a larger initiative kicked off in February to support the work of the Baptist Coalition for Children and Families, encompassing Baptist children’s ministries in 19 states.

Michelle Drashman Glassford, ABCH director of communications, said ABCH serves about 500 children every year, primarily through foster care, campus care, shelter care, college care and family care ministry for homeless mothers and their children.

“Our vision is to see hope and wholeness for children and families through knowing God,” she said, noting that the WorldCrafts partnership could help achieve that vision. “We definitely could not do what we do without the support of so many individuals, churches, businesses and volunteers all across the state.”