MILWAUKEE – Its mission is to serve developing countries by promoting their goods, but one store on Capitol Drive is also a place to find unique gifts and fantastic prices. The Third World Handcraft Shoppe is Positively Milwaukee. By purchasing items in the quaint little store, you’ll help ease poverty all over the world. “Pick up any piece of work from around the shop and you think how many hours went into making that piece, and it’s just mind boggling,” Third World Handcraft Shoppe Manager Bridget Smith said. The store, at Capitol Drive Lutheran Church features specialty goods from 42 countries, like a $30 shirt with fabulous embroidery to a plate made out of recycles magazines. Jerry and Eunice Koepke founded the store. “The Third World Shoppe is doing quite well. We have a new manager and an anniversary. It’s 20 years,” Jerry Koepke said. At the store, there’s everything from jewelry to glassware to scarves to candleholders. TODAY’S TMJ4’s Carole Meekins: “I think it’s neat you have so many nativity scenes here. They’re all from all over the world.” “That’s right. I think the most unique thing is they show the cultural significance of where they were made,” Smith said. “Conditions are so poor, there is no market over there for all of the beautiful crafts that they make,” Smith said. Behind the items are stories…like baptismal napkins made by little girls in India who were shunned by their families. “This project takes them off the street, puts them into a school. They’re educated. They can stay in the project till they’re about 20 years of age,” Jerry Koepke said. Artisans get true value for their pieces. In turn, they enjoy a higher standard of living. The Third World Handcraft Shoppe has donated $230,000 back to Third World charities. “We’ve got some suppliers who are individuals who come to the shop to sell us wares. Seeing the direct impact we make on their lives is phenomenal,” Smith said. By supporting the Third World Handcraft Shoppe, you too can help some of the poorest people on the planet rebuild their lives. The store is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Starting November 22nd, it will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m.