The 10th annual Alternative Gift Market will be held this Sunday, providing ISU students with a way to give gifts and support organizations that help those in need.

People may donate money in someone else’s name towards a specific charity, said Ames resident Katy Seidel, member of the gift market committee.

“To participate in the Alternative Gift Market, you simply give money to someone in need,” Seidel said. “Once they have given money, they will get a card saying they gave money in their name. Money can be given towards a cause the recipient is interested in. It is a great gift for a great aunt that you don’t know what to get, give a donation in her name.”

Donations can be submitted from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12 at the Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwest Ave.

“Gifts can be given in any amount,” she said. “Gifts anywhere from five dollars to thousands are given.”

Seidel, who has served on the committee for four years, said she is involved because she feels the market is a good cause.

“I have been involved, because this is something I believe in,” she said. “It is a lot of work, but everyone is very committed.”

The committee has been meeting since August to organize this market.

Each member of the committee is responsible for setting up an exhibit for each different organization. The day of the market there will be musical entertainment every half-hour.

The Alternative Gift Market in Ames originally was founded by Collegiate Presbyterian Church more than 10 years ago.

It has since grown and is now sponsored by ten churches.

“We try to get projects with a local connection, although the actual project is often overseas,” said Roberta Abraham, member of Collegiate Presbyterian.

Some of the local organizations participating in this years market are Bethesda Community Food Pantry, Story County Habitat for Humanity, Emergency Residence Project, ACCESS, Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance Cooperative, Self-Help International and Generosity International.

“This market is the type of thing that appeals to Ames,” Abraham said.

Seidel said that all ISU students are welcome.

“Please come, and we will be glad to see you, and you will be glad you came,” Seidel said.