MADISON – Just in time to shop for Christmas gifts, the annual St. John’s Craft Fair will offer a broad selection of special presents and a venue for helping an underserved, local charity.

St. John’s Craft Fair will be held on Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 1055 Hughes Road in Madison. Shoppers will have free parking and free admission.

Organizers expect to have 45 vendors on-site to sell their merchandise. The inventory of sale items will include quilting supplies, Christian items, sewing materials, woodworking designs, paintings, ceramics and even more goods and products. The crafts for sale are all handmade.

“St. John makes absolutely no profit off this event,” Craft Fair Chairperson Gretchen Willett said. Every year, the church chooses a local charity that can use assistance for its mission. All booth fees, money raised at the donation table and proceeds from the bake sale will go to the charity of the year.

“There are no direct-sales vendors at the event. We strive to offer a place for artistic people to share their talents and work together to raise awareness for local in-need causes,” Willett said.

“All our vendors offer a few Christian handmade items at their booth that are unique and cannot be found at retail stores,” Willett said. “You’re guaranteed to find a one-of-a-kind stocking stuffer, teacher gift or Christmas present.”

This year, the non-profit organization, Friends, Inc., is the charity that will benefit from the crafts sale. When a person is diagnosed with a serious illness or disability, he or she faces a variety of new situations, treatments and changes in lifestyle brought about by that illness.

Through caring volunteers, and with no cost to the patient or their family, Friends, Inc. offers multiple support services to seriously ill and disabled patients, helping them to cope with their new circumstances and enabling them to maintain their independence. (friendsinc.net)

Friends, Inc. volunteers receive ongoing training and support, and they can choose service that meets their interests and availability. The organization does not require a minimum time commitment from volunteers. Friends, Inc. is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the seriously ill, disabled and elderly in Huntsville and Madison County.

For more information, visit friendsinc.net.