BOTKINS — The Petersburg Parishes will host their fourth annual Fair Trade Sale on Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1, in the Immaculate Conception Church (basement), North Main Street.

Hours for the sale are Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and all are welcome.

The Fair Trade sale provides an opportunity to purchase unique gifts for children and adults made by independent artists, craftspeople and farmers across the world. Items for sale will include clothing, home decor, baskets, jewelry, musical instruments, toys, Christmas decorations, crosses, and more. The sale will also feature Fair Trade chocolate, tea, coffee, spices, with free samples of chocolate and coffee available to those in attendance. Live background music will enhance the shopping experience.

Purchases support farmers, artisans, and laborers as they seek to build better lives for their families. “The monies from the sale help people in the developing world send their children to school, build wells, and participate in projects that strengthen their communities. We’re proud to be able to help from right here in west-central Ohio,” a representative from the Petersburg Parishes Social Justice Commission said.

The Petersburg Parishes work with Catholic Relief Services and with SERRV, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support worldwide. SERRV collaborates with congregations of many Christian denominations to host Fair Trade sales.

The Petersburg Parishes of Botkins Immaculate Conception, Fryburg St. John, Rhine St. Lawrence, and Wapakoneta St. Joseph are named for the now-vanished Petersburg settlement (between Wapakoneta and Botkins) from which the parishes emerged in the 19th century. For more information, call 419-738-4924.