FROM STAFF REPORTS

BIRMINGHAM – ‘Tis the season of giving, and the team at first fruits ministries is planning their annual Christmas basket campaign.

The baskets make perfect, thoughtful gifts for clients, friends, family and co-workers. The non-profit ministries’ largest campaign raises money to help women overcoming some of life’s most difficult situations and provides much needed employment and job training for them.

The ministry provides work for women on the road to recovery, giving them new life and new purpose by teaching them to produce quality, hand-made products, gift baskets and specialty food items. The professionally curated baskets include local and regional items of the highest quality.

The price points and delicious contents will satisfy everyone on your gift giving list this season. Basket purchases provide not only on the job training and employment for women overcoming obstacles, but also a sense of pride, community, confidence, and worth.

Under the leadership of President Marsha Drennen, the team created 11 unique basket options available for ordering this holiday season. Customization and delivery is available.

Visit Firstfruits-ministries.org to view a full selection of baskets. Ordering is available directly through the website or by contacting Jennifer Dowdle at 205-492-0754 or jennifer@firstfruits-ministries.org.

“The preparation for our beautiful Christmas baskets begins in July, going to market searching for the finest products, testing and tasting, buying our packaging and assembling our prototypes to present the very best to our valued customers,”Drennen said. “Our motto is, ‘God is honored in excellence,’ so we strive to provide quality selections at affordable prices. We are all about the baskets, and we are not about the baskets. We sell baskets to provide much needed work for women overcoming difficult situations. Every time you purchase from us, please know the hands that are assembling your baskets are hands of hope, not despair; hands of help; not helplessness; hands of community; not isolation; and hands of giving, not taking. These hands are connected to hearts that long for God’s love and peace. That’s why we do what we do. Your purchase has a mighty purpose!”

In addition to the gift baskets, this holiday season first fruits is providing Hope for the Homeless.

“To let our brothers and sisters living on the streets know that they are created and loved by a God who sees worth in each and every one of us, the first fruits women are assembling a care package full of practical items needed for everyday living,” a press release stated. “We’ve sweetened the selections with a few goodies to enjoy as well!”

The community is invited to join the effort by sponsoring a box for only $25, or purchase five for a tax-deductible donation of $100.

Visit Firstfruits-ministries.org to learn more about the organization and view a full selection of baskets. Ordering is available directly through the website or you may contact Jennifer Dowdle at jennifer@firstfruits-ministries.org or 205-492-0754.