It places service and donations ahead of materialism. It stresses people over profits. It promotes conscientious consuming.

It's Gifts That Give Hope (GTGH), and there are those who believe that GTGH's upcoming fair is a representation of what the Christmas season should be.

"Your spending power is a reflection of the kind of world you want to live in," said Jenn Knepper, GTGH's fair coordinator. "It's important to know where your money is going. We're just trying to introduce people to businesses who are being more conscientious. We want consumers to be more aware of the people who are making the products."

This year's edition of the annual GTGH fair will be conducted on Sunday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lancaster Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. The gift fair will highlight 39 nonprofits, 15 marketplace vendors and a dozen food trucks.

GTGH's gift fair is free to attend.

"It's warm and inviting and altruistic," said Knepper. "I don't like the usual things around the holidays. I think this re-instills that sense of connection and community. The vibe is warm and welcoming."

Among the services and gifts that will be available at the gift fair will be charitable donations to nonprofits, mentorships, certificates, music lessons, tuitions and fitness training. Some of the more tangible items offered for sale will include books, jewelry and clothing.

The gift fair's atmosphere will be enhanced by live performances from a pair of local singing groups.

"My hope is that people come to the fair and get plugged into the things that are important to them," said Knepper. "We're making it easy to make good choices. It's all under one roof for one day. I think we all have an area we feel passionate about. It's a place to connect with nonprofits."

Nearly 1,500 individuals are expected to attend.

"People who are good gift-givers appreciate how people give them gifts," said Knepper. "I think sometimes gift-giving is made more complicated than it really has to be. I think we have to ask ourselves, 'What do I know about someone, and how do I find a gift that speaks to them?' The idea is to personalize gift-giving, not just give a random gift card. If you come to the fair, you can ask the vendors, and we will be happy to help you work through your options."

"I think we're pretty unique in what we offer," continued Knepper. "It's usually upbeat, and I love seeing people connect with nonprofits or nonprofits connecting with each other. When I see people working for the greater good, it fills my soul."

Knepper came up with the idea for the GTGH fair in Lancaster in 2007 when she found out about a Harrisburg area women's group staging a similar event. Following a period of contemplation, she could find no reasons why the concept wouldn't work here.

"We always try to keep evolving; pull in new people," said Knepper. "We try to keep it fresh and exciting. We don't want it to feel the same year after year. It's for people who are looking for something more meaningful and less materialistic."

Some gifts never go out of style.

For additional information about GTGH, go to https://gifts-that-give-hope-lancaster.square.site.