The Value of People

Ten Thousand Villages is a not for profit store which provides life changing opportunities to artisans in over 30 developing countries through the sale of their finely crafted products. In order to remain a viable organization we are required to make a number of one time expenditures for new cash registers, computers, updated software and necessary repairs and maintenance to the store itself. Our goal is to raise $12,000 to cover these expenses.

Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit store dedicated to the principles of fair trade and changing the lives of impoverished people in over 30 developing countries. To facilitate their empowerment, Ten Thousand Villages enters into long term commitments with artisan groups, providing product design, and ensuring they are paid a fair price and have an international market for their distinctive crafts. This partnership provides the financial support allowing these artisans to access better health care, schooling and housing for their families.
While the Oak Park store is part of a 50+ network of Ten Thousand Villages stores, we are independent in management and operations. We are primarily supported with the help of volunteers, so more revenues can go to support the artisans.