Olive trees are indigenous to the Holy Land and are treasured because the oil from their fruit has been used for religious rites since before the time of Jesus. They bear a sign of hope and renewal. Every October the people of the Holy Land pick the fruit of the olive wood trees and prune the branches. These pruned branches dry for several years and then are turned into beautiful Christian testaments of faith. Because of the recent years of hardship, pilgrimages to our Mother Church in Bethlehem have nearly ceased. Our Holy Sites are empty and so are the stores of the Holy Land Christians.
Let’s contribute to a joyful Christmas in Bethlehem!
The Holy land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) is a non -profit 501 c (3) foundation. Holy Land Olivewood Gifts are produced by Christian families. Olive trees are indigenous to the Holy Land and are treasured because the oil from their fruit has been used for religious rites since before the time of Jesus. They bear a sign of hope and renewal. Every October the people of the Holy Land pick the fruit of the olive wood trees and prune the branches. These pruned branches dry for several years and then are turned into beautiful Christian testaments of faith. Because of the recent years of hardship, pilgrimages to our Mother Church in Bethlehem have nearly ceased. Our Holy Sites are empty and so are the stores of the Holy Land Christians. These Christian artisans no longer have a market for their traditional handmade crafts due to difficult economic conditions. Holy Land Gifts is a primary means of support for approximately 800 families, and you can help to provide income for these families at Christmas time by selling their art in your church.
The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) needs your help to promote the Holy Land Gifts Program (HLGP). We need your help in the following areas:
• Call churches and set up dates for sales
• Organize sales activities for the HLGP at your church
• Sell gifts at churches
• Help pack and perform inventory duties
• Prepare sales reports
HCEF is very flexible with the amount of time that you can donate. We can accommodate your schedule, whether you volunteer during weekdays or weekends. Anyone interested in planning and setting up a sale at their church, please contact the HCEF representative nearest you.
1- Washington, DC area, Maryland & Virginia : Ms. Rana Handal
E-mail:<rhandal@hcef.org>, Tel: 301-951-8841
2- Detroit / Michigan: Mr. Paul Turner
E-mail: <pturner@hcef.org>, Tel: 248-871-2777
3- Cincinanti/ Ohi Mrs. Kristin Woodard
E-mail: <kwoodard@hcsn.org>, Tel: 513-965-9022
4- San Antonio/ Texas: Mrs. Mary Jane Fox
E-mail: <Fox@hcef.org>, Tel: 210-521-3377
5- Phoenix/ Arizona : Ms. Abla Jajjar
E-mail: <abla.najjar@phoenix.edu>, Tel: 602-881-4081
6- Victoria / TX: Mrs. Cindy Brewer
E-mail: <cbrewer@victoriadiocese.org>, Tel: 361-573-0828
7- Nevada/ Iowa: Mrs Jane Graham
E-mail: <grahamjj@midiowa.net>, Tel: 515-382-4186
8- Rochester / NH : Ms. Pamela Trush
E-mail: <Ptrush@hcsn.org>, Tel: 603-332-0993
9- Houston/ Texas: Mr. George Abdo
E-mail: <ge_abdo@yahoo.com>, Tel: 281-639-4858
10- Chicago/ IL: Mrs. Ibtessam Assfour
E-mail: <Ibtessam@comcast.net>, Tel: 708-499-4719
You may view our Holy Land Gifts and shop online @ https://gifts.hcef.org . For additional information please contact Ms Rana Handal, our Program Coordinator, via phone @ 301-951-8841 or toll free number @ 866-871-HCEF, or fax @ 301-951-9402, or e-mail @ rhandal@hcef.org. You may also visit our web site at www.hcef.org.
