URBANDALE, Iowa — Christmas is over a month away, but some people are already preparing their holiday shopping.
This weekend, Christmas with a Cause is giving people a chance to shop for holiday gifts and raise funds for people in need locally and globally.
The event started in 2019 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
It brings nonprofit organizations together to sell handmade Christmas gifts, with the proceeds going to help fund humanitarian work in Iowa and around the world.
Products sold will include handbags, artwork and crochet and knit items.
Pastor Ben Johnson said the event is all about giving back during the holiday season.
"What if some of the things that we get for other people or ourselves this Christmas season, all the money went to different causes?" Johnson said. "These are all nonprofits that we've vetted, they're doing incredible things for the people they serve."
Christmas With a Cause runs on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and then again on Sunday, Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale.
The event, which will benefit at least 25 organizations this year, is completely free to attend.