Those interested in supporting fair trade on a local and global scale should check out Ten Thousand Villages, a downtown boutique specializing in handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor, art and sculpture, textiles, serveware and personal accessories representing the diverse cultures of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.  

A member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WTFO), Ten Thousand Villages works to improve the lives of artisans in third world countries by giving them the opportunity to sell their crafts and receive a more substantial income than they would otherwise.  Sales help to pay for the food, housing, healthcare, and education of the workers and their families who might not be able to afford such basic necessities otherwise.

Ten Thousand Villages offers a variety of products perfect for travelers, collectors, or people looking to fill their homes or closets with beautiful handmade works. Many of the artisans offer complete collections for buyers to enjoy.  Ten Thousand Villages is ideal for gifts and even offers a registry for special occasions such as graduations, weddings, and the like.  The website is equipped for online shopping and has a feature which allows shoppers to learn about the artisans they support and search for workers by region or country.  For more information, visit www.tenthousantvillages.com to find a store near you!