Change the World, One Gift at a Time

BALTIMORE, Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- There comes a time when the answer to the question "What do you want for Christmas?" is: "I have everything I need thanks, but world peace would be a great gift".  This holiday season, two catalogs can bring the world one step closer to peace with a unique selection of gifts to improve the lives of people who are burdened with poverty.   

The gifts found in CRS Gift Catalog and CRS Fair Trade Catalog deliver peace of mind by guaranteeing fair wages for artisans, access to health care for new moms and infants, specialized training for small farmers, lifesaving help for people caught in emergencies and an abundance of teachers and social services to strengthen individuals and communities around the world. 

Choose from either catalog or create a basket of caring for the people on your gift list this holiday season.

CRS Gift Catalog 

Each gift from the CRS Gift Catalog becomes a catalyst for change in the lives of people who are recovering from natural disasters in countries such as India, the Philippines and Haiti and for other people around the world who live on less than $2 a day.  The gifts in this catalog represent nearly 1,500 projects that transform people and communities for the long term.

For as little as $20, these gifts help lift people out of poverty and tell your loved ones how much you care. 

$20
Student's school uniform. Helps a child dress for success and eases financial burden on the family.

$25
Health exams for 12 children.  Promotes health and prevent illness for 12 children

$30
Prenatal health care throughout pregnancy. Keeps mother and baby safe and healthy.

$45
Family hygiene and washing kit.  Contains soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels and pail for good hygiene and health.

$50
Five infant scales. Monitors health, growth and nutrition of babies. 

$75
Training for a water pump mechanic.  Ensures skills to keep clean water flowing.

$150
Sewing machine for an entrepreneur. Helps jump-start a small business.

$1,000
School tuition for a child with disabilities.  Provides inclusive education for a productive, independent future.

CRS Fair Trade Handcraft and Gourmet Food Catalog                        

A wide selection of handcrafts and fairly traded gourmet foods are available in the CRS Fair Trade catalog published by CRS' partner SERRV.  Purchasing fair trade gifts is a way to provide secure, long-term employment and entrepreneurial opportunities and support to artisans and farmers worldwide. Fair trade also ensures that families are made stronger while community services for education and health also improve. 

$10
Teal Beaded Bracelet - Metal, glass and bone beads are strung on 3 elasticized threads for a fun, chunky bracelet.  Approx. 2 1/2 in. dia. but stretches to fit most wrists.

$11
Organic Peace On Earth - Dark roast coffee from Peru. Ground. 12 oz (340g).

$24
Peace Dove Bread Warmer - Whitewashed terra cotta stone is deeply incised with Peace Dove design and sits in a hand-woven kaisa grass basket with palm wrap. 3 3/4in. h x 11in. dia

$24
Peace Wreath - Welcome guests in the spirit of peace and love. Natural wreath of takip-asin wood wrapped in galtang vine is lovely on its own, or when adorned with flowers or lights. approx: 17in. dia

The CRS Fair Trade catalog can be seen online at: serrv.org/crs

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in 91 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. For more information, please visit www.crs.org or www.crsespanol.org and follow CRS on Twitter @CatholicRelief and @CRS_expertise; and youtube.com/user/CatholicRelief.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141117/159129 
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141117/159128

SOURCE Catholic Relief Services