The Olive Branch combines a store offering fair trade items with a gathering place for community activities. Located at 11160 Perry Highway (across Perry Hwy. from Dunkin’ Donuts and across Fieldview from Jiffy Lube), the store features one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry and other items made by impoverished artisans from around the world. Current winter hours are: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Salem United Methodist Church on Manor Road in Pine had been operating The Olive Branch at the church for more than 40 years. “By relocating the Olive Branch to a retail location among other businesses, we will be better able to expand its appeal to the entire community, and especially to those people who are looking for unique gifts, but have few options in the area,” said Mary Sheehan, a founder of The Olive Branch. “We carry handcrafted items from Ten Thousand Villages, SERRV and several other fair trade organizations.”
“Since the store will is in a highly visible place, we see it as a gathering place to bring together other churches, community groups, non-profit organizations and individuals to share thoughts and hold meetings that benefit our community,” said the Rev. Beth Nelson, pastor of Salem United Methodist Church. “Our overall vision is for the Olive Branch to be a place to make connections of resources with people who want to make a difference. In the past year, the Olive Branch has hosted individuals from various global and community groups, conducted a study on homelessness, and held adult coloring classes to promote serenity and wellness. Adult literacy classes are also held at the Olive Branch, and numerous hands-on workshops have been held providing goods and outreach both globally and to the local Pittsburgh and North Hills community. The Olive Branch also serves as a collection point for various items, including food products needed by the North Hills Community Outreach Food Bank. We think the possibilities for community projects and activities are limitless, and we look forward to hearing ideas from the community.”
For more information about The Olive Branch, visit www.olivebranchwexford.org, or find us on Facebook.
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