Gifts that Give Hope (GTGH) Lancaster has been hosting an alternative gift fair for the past 16 years. This year’s event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., December 10, 2023, at the Farm & Home Center, in Lancaster.

Founder Jenn Knepper says, “I think my interests really flourished when I was finishing college, to be honest, and getting out into the field of working as an ICU nurse. You quickly learn how fragile life is and want to use your innate gifts for making the world a better place. I love seeing people connect over shared interests, and connection in general is one of my top strengths in the Strength Finder psychology framework. When I completed that personality test, it made sense to me why so many things like the gift fair and other personal endeavors of which I had been a part of over the years always centered around connecting to people and/or gaining a sense of personal satisfaction when people were operating at their strengths and using their gifts. You can just see them come alive.”

Knepper spent many years in an outreach group at church called Bridge Builders which connected people to the needs of charitable organizations in the community, and also volunteered at the medical clinic at Water Street Health Services, in Lancaster.

Her profession as a registered nurse and the role with GTGH allows Knepper to connect in meaningful ways with colleagues and patients, as well as fellow teammates and shoppers at the gift fair that find joy and contentment while experiencing the holiday event.

“My faith largely influences my life–the verse in Luke 12:48 ‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’ akin to the statement from my son’s favorite superhero: ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’” Advises Knepper, “I have always been aware of the incredible privilege that has been afforded to me throughout my life, and the only way I can possibly reconcile that imbalance in the system is to do that which is in my power to use my gifts to bring awareness and opportunity for people to make a difference through exposure to the myriad of nonprofits, social enterprises, business for good, etc. that are part of the annual gift fair.”