Community starts holiday shopping season with charity markets
Residents across the Lakeshore are ushering in the holiday shopping season today, Saturday, Nov. 14, as two local organizations host back-to-back artisan markets designed to pair festive gift-buying with charitable giving.
HOLLAND — Residents across the Lakeshore are ushering in the holiday shopping season today, Saturday, Nov. 14, as two local organizations host back-to-back artisan markets designed to pair festive gift-buying with charitable giving.
Both Benjamin’s Hope and Harderwyk Ministries opened their doors to the community with free admission and free parking, offering shoppers a wide array of handmade goods while directly supporting local mission work and services for adults with developmental differences.
B. Hope for the Holidays Market
At Benjamin’s Hope, 15468 Riley St., the B. Hope for the Holidays Market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The showcase brings together 24 local artists and merchants — featuring a mix of returning favorites and new vendors — offering handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items.
Featured makers include Carolyn Stitch Studio, Grace Marie Candles, and McCall Macarons, among others.
In addition to vendor booths, the market features a silent auction with all proceeds benefiting Benjamin’s Hope. The Holland-based nonprofit is dedicated to creating an inclusive community where individuals with autism and other developmental differences can live, learn, play, and worship.
Makers Market, Secondhand Sale for Missions
Just a few miles away, Harderwyk Ministries, 1627 Lakewood Blvd., near the corner of 160th Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard, is hosting its Makers Market and Secondhand Sale for Missions.
The event showcases more than 40 local makers alongside a curated secondhand sale. Shoppers browsing the market can find handcrafted goods, unique gifts, home decor, and baked treats. Proceeds from the event go directly toward funding Harderwyk Ministries' ongoing mission efforts.
Together, the two Saturday markets offer West Michigan residents an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of the holiday season, support small-business artisans, and give back to the Holland community.
How to support after the markets close
If you missed Saturday's markets or want to continue supporting these organizations throughout the holiday season, both groups accept contributions year-round:
- Benjamin’s Hope: Visit benjaminshope.net to make an online financial contribution, explore volunteer opportunities, or learn more about supporting their residential and enrichment programs.
- Harderwyk Ministries: Visit harderwyk.com to give online toward their local and global mission initiatives or find information on upcoming community outreach events.
— Mallory Burt is a reporter for Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
