Christmas is coming soon and you're not sure what to buy for your relatives and friends. What can I possibly give Granny, who seems to have everything she needs and yet I want to tell her how much she means to me? The answer is simple: send her a nioce card with details of the present you have bought in her honour and given it to someone who really needs it. This is the thinking behind the AlterNativity project in Hinckley, whihc is now in its fourth year.

There are so many people in need all over the world and also locally, whom we can help and make a difference to this Christmas by the 'present' we give to them: the means to get water or make compost, for example, a pig or a duck, some books and stationery for school, a roll of bedding or a hamper forlocal homeless people and families who might be struggling this year, operations for sight, medication for clinics - the list is very long.

The time has come to think completely differently about the orgy of self-indulgence which has become the celebration of the feast of the birth of the Saviour of the world in poverty. If we really want to celebrate this event, we need to associate ourselves much more with Him and His way - the way of giving, of seeking justice and making peace, the way of recognising that what we have is to be shared not hoarded form ourselves alone. Yhis represents a change of thinking and being for all of us which will, without doubt, bring us far more contentment than any amount of presents that we rreally do not need.

If you wish to take part in the project, you cab do so in two ways:

download a catalogue and order form, fill in the form and return with your cheque by post

come along to the AlterNativity event, whihc is organised by Hinckley and District Churches Together, at the United Reformed Church, The Borough, Hinckley, on Saturday November 7 from 10.00am to 2.00pm

you may also visit the AlterNativity website for more details: www.alternativity.org

To view the catalogue click here.

To view the order form click here.