Are you looking for some unique, beautiful Christmas gifts? St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newcastle opens its annual Haitian Art Sale with a festive Christmas reception on Friday, Dec. 2 at the church.

“In addition to buying something attractive and special, you’ll have the satisfaction of doing some good for people less fortunate, as all the proceeds go to help Haiti,” long-time organizer of the event, Susie Meade said. The poorest country in the western hemisphere, Haiti is always in need, she added, but the need is even more acute in the aftermath of the recent hurricane flood damage.

The array of crafts includes brightly painted wooden boxes and trays, hand-embroidered napkins and tablecloths, silk scarves, papier-mâché creatures of all stripes and hues, delightful tin creations, intricately made Christmas cards, and an assortment of paintings of various styles. There is even Haitian chocolate and coffee beans for sale.

Susan and Frazier Meade have been going to Haiti to buy art for the St. Andrew’s sale since the 1990s. They had lived there formerly when Frazier was stationed there as a diplomat.

The sale’s festive reception with wine and appetizers is from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 2. The church’s Christmas Bazaar, featuring handmade crafts, raffle items, gifts, baked goods and silent auction items donated by parishioners, will also be open for browsing and sales. Admission will be $10. On Saturday, Dec. 3 the sale will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Music with Katie Newell on the fiddle is set for noon. The last day of the sale will be Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon.