This longtime event takes place on Dec. 3 at the Campbell United Methodist Church on Winchester Boulevard. Its volunteers include Campbell and Willow Glen residents.

The fair features handcrafted items from around the world such as crafts and clothing. There are also toys with a peace theme, as well as such products as fair-trade coffee and cocoa.

"The goal is to bring people together who are interested in working for peace and justice and providing them with a place to support each other and to raise funds and awareness for their causes," said Willow Glen resident Serena Murphy, who has helped organize the event for many years.

Sponsored by the San Jose chapter of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and the San Jose Peace Center, the fair welcomes nonprofit organizations that actively promote the message of peace and social justice.

A sampling of organizations that will have merchandise and information available include African Women Rebuilders, which works with children of refugee families from Africa; and Campbell United Methodist Church and Society Committee, which is raising funds to aid flood cleanup efforts. The Heifer Project, which provides farm animals for families in underdeveloped countries, will also participate. In addition, various peace organizations such as South Bay Mobilization, Christians for Peace in El Salvador (CRISPAZ) and Veterans for Peace will have information related to their current activities.

"It's basically a gathering of peace and social justice groups and offers the public opportunities to buy alternative non-commercial arts and crafts items and a chance for them to learn about some of the activities," said Joan Goddard, a Campbell resident and coordinator of this year's fair.

Merchandise and information is one facet of the event. There will also be a variety of international entertainment throughout the day, including performances by Lisa Atkinson and George Kinchloe, Annie and the Vets, the San Jose Peace Chorale and the San Jose and Peninsula chapters of Raging Grannies. The Raging Grannies is a group of highly spirited women who use humorous antics, singing and dancing to drive home their message of peace and justice.

There will also be a children's area with face painting and gift-making. Vietnamese-style sandwiches provided by 9 to 5, a national association of working women seeking economic justice, and home-baked desserts will be available.

"We will have tables and chairs set up so people can sit and watch the performances and comfortably enjoy something to eat," Murphy said.

General admission is $1. The admission and booth fees paid by the participating organizations will be divided among three groups.

Representatives from this year's participating organizations selected Next Door: Solutions to Domestic Violence, Middle East Children's Alliance and the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund as the beneficiaries of the proceeds, Goddard said.

Founded by Nobel peace prizewinners Jane Adams and Emily Green, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is the largest and oldest women's peace organization in the world with chapters in 37 countries and coordinated by an international office in Geneva. There are 60 branches in the United States, which work on national campaigns selected by a vote of the entire membership.

The Holiday Peace Fair at the Campbell United Methodist Church, 1675 Winchester Blvd., is on Dec. 3 from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $1 for adults, children are free. For more information visit www.wilpfsanjose.org/peacefair.html, or call Joan Goddard at 408.396.8039.