Memory Cross has launched a new website, giftsof.com that sells environmentally sustainable gifts through fair trade partnerships with the profits going to support an orphanage and medical clinic in the Dominican Republic.
Products include handcrafted jewelry, home decor, apparel, Christmas ornaments, musical instruments and Haitian metal art. Each product comes from fair trade partners which are helping to create sustainable jobs in underdeveloped countries, many using recycled material.
Fair trade practices create opportunities for employment where none existed before and support traditional methods of production such as Mayan weaving. Fair trade also provides compensation to artisans allowing them to create an income that supports themselves and their families. More information on fair trade can be found [here](http://giftsof.com/pages/fair-trade).
Mike Vitamvas started the website as a way of providing support for the [Foundation of Helping Hands orphanage](https://www.facebook.com/Foundation-Center-of-Helping-Hands-Orphanage-446927508842581/) and the Good Samaritan Clinic, both located in Barahona Dominican Republic. The orphanage provides food, shelter, education and clothing to boys ages 7 to 17, most of which were living on the streets before coming to the orphanage. The clinic is located in Batey 7 and is staffed with a doctor and nurse who provide a range of services to the Batey along with several surrounding Bateys.
The United Methodist Church was supporting the clinic but that changed in 2015 and the clinic now has to raise their own support.
"Creating a site that provided environmentally sustainable items, provided job opportunities in economically depressed areas and supporting the orphanage and clinic seemed like an answer to prayer" says Mike Vitamvas who had been looking for a way to help in the DR.
[Memory Cross](http://store.memorycross.com) was started by Andy Lambert, a pastor in the United Methodist Church who created an origami flip card to teach children Bible stories, memorize Scripture and share the Gospel. Andy is no longer involved but the unique folding card that he developed continues to make an impact around the world.
