With Christmas decorations already on display at stores, it’s time for a reminder about  the Athens Holiday Benevolence Market, taking place this year on Dec. 6 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Athens.

The Benevolence Market is sponsored by a number of local congregations to support the work of local charities and non-profits.

Patrons are given a “shopping list” that includes all of the agencies represented and items that can be symbolically “purchased” in honor of a friend or family member. The list includes a range of prices. For example, a shopper might buy a box of nails for $10 that will be used in building a Habitat for Humanity house. Or, for $100, a child can be sent to the Extra Special People summer camp for a week.

Doesn’t that sound better than another scarf or tie?

For details and the shopping list, see www.firstpresathens.org/benevolencemarket