A Friendship

THE GIFT SHOP

BY MARGIE WINTERS

My husband and I joined St. David’s in 1999. Soon after, I discovered The Gift Shop at St. David’s, located in a tiny space under a church stairwell. My first purchase was three metal angels made by impoverished artisans. It was so gratifying to know that the profits from my purchase would help fund international outreach.

Several years later, The Gift Shop expanded and relocated to another space in the undercroft and I began to volunteer in the shop. I met so many people and felt a real sense of purpose and belonging in the church. Eventually, I took over as the shop’s director. It was during my tenure that the shop was again relocated, this time to its current location. I served as director for six of the most fulfilling years of my life.

The Gift Shop is all about relationships. We exist to help uplift our partners in Cuba, Guatemala, and Uganda. We connect with vendors representing artisans from around the world. We raise awareness about fair trade. We forge wonderful friendships with our fellow volunteers and our customers.

I have experienced some very poignant moments in the shop. I remember helping to pick out a baptism gift for a grandmother to give to her first grandchild. The child was a “miracle baby,” born after years of prayers and medical hurdles. Having once walked in her daughter’s shoes, I felt overwhelming joy for this family’s blessing. I recall another woman whom I assisted in selecting a palm cross to give to her mother who was going into hospice. It was heartbreaking to witness the daughter’s sorrow; I can only hope and pray that I was able to help bring comfort to her in some small way.

There were many times when a customer whom I had never met would come in and we would end up in serious conversation, helping each other through life’s challenges. Tears have been shed in the shop and confidences have been kept, because the shop a very nurturing place.

The window and hallway outside the Gift Shop decorated for Christmas. There is a large, fully decorated evergreen tree complete with white lights and a star atop it, surrounded by boxes wrapped up as presents below.

Laughter and happiness are also synonymous with The Gift Shop. I helped one gentleman pick out so many birthday and Christmas gifts for his beloved wife that he jokingly referred to me as his personal shopper. Then, there was the father who brought his three very excited children into the shop to pick out their first crosses. Their faith and joy made my day. Rounding out some of my special memories of the shop is our Annual Gift Shop Open House, a festive evening kicking off the holiday season.

It’s been twenty-two years since I made my first purchase, and the shop continues to be my go-to destination for gifts and treats for myself. If it isn’t already, I hope it will become your favorite gift shop. After all, if you are going to shop, why not do it where you can help make the world a better place?

www.stdavidschurch.org/giftsandart/