Instead of giving their fathers ties that may be thrown in the closet after Christmas, students will have the chance to give an Ames resident the ability to turn on the light in a closet — in Dad’s honor.

ISU students, faculty, staff and other Ames residents have the opportunity to give a meaningful gift to help people in need locally and around the world. The 13th annual alternative gift market is being held from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave.CQ

Over the past three years an average of $20,000 has been raised by the alternative gift fair each year, said organizing committee member Brian Meyer.CQ He said the market was started to make a difference in people’s lives around the holidays.

Shoppers who are unsure what they would like to donate money to will be able to peruse booths and make gift selections, he said. People who donate will receive cards and information on the program to send to the people they purchased gifts in honor of, he said.

“People are able to donate to worthy causes,” Meyer said.

ACCESS, an advocacy agency for victims or survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, will be one of many organizations participating in the market. Sara Stevenson, community outreach coordinator for ACCESS, said the gift market is a great way for people to get involved in the community.

The agency has been involved and successful in past markets, Stevenson said.

There is a shopping list of donation ideas for those who aren’t sure how to contribute, she said. People can give more or less than what is listed. If people wish to give to a specific cause, they need to tell the volunteers where they would like the money to go, Stevenson said.

“[We are] very happy to make sure that gets accomplished,” she said.

Other area and local projects at the market are the Bethesda community food pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Emergency Residence Project and Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance Cooperative.

The alternative gift market is one of over 300 held worldwide. There is no charge to attend the event and all alternative gift donations are tax-deductible.