United Methodists are socially active

•The Moorpark United Methodist Church will sponsor a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 2 at the church, 261 Flory Ave.

Donors will receive a free Quiznos Sub sandwich at the drive. Donors need to bring a photo ID and donor card.

To sign up, call Marilyn Green at (805) 531-6420, United Blood Services at (800) 715-3699 or the church at (805) 529-1401.

•Also on Dec. 2, the congregation will host an Alternative Christmas Market from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the church building.

Shoppers may buy socially responsible gifts, crafts made by Third World people and Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolate at the event.

Recipients of alternative gifts receive are a card stating that a donation of livestock or building tools has been given in their name to a person in need.

Fair Trade items certify that the products were grown in a safe manner and the farmers received fair wages for their work.For more information about the market, call the church at the number above.