SERVV, which is administered by the Church of the Brethren in New Windsor, Md., buys crafts from needy artisans in developing countries. The program started as a service for refugees in post-World War II Germany but has expanded to include dozens of nations and parts of the U.S., such as Appalachia.

The crafts she sells are as varied as the countries of origin. "They use what they have," Mrs. Miller says. "Banana bark, grass..." The selection includes carved wooden animals from Jordan and Thailand, woven bookmarks from the Philippines, marionettes from Taiwan, wooden trays from India and an assortment of jewelry, handbags, dolls and brass pieces. Prices are reasonable because there is no middle-man.