Harvest Fest is an opportunity to bring our school families and the surrounding community together for a fun fall event," said Maegan Jones, the marketing and events coordinator at Lititz Christian School. "We want people to experience the community that makes LC special and enjoy a day where families can connect, spend time together and learn more about our school. We would love for Harvest Fest to be your introduction to LC and the people who make this community what it is."

This year, Lititz Christian School will celebrate its annual Harvest Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the school's main campus at 300 W. Orange St. The community outreach and fundraising event is free to attend, and it will serve as a tie-in to the broad giving event, Faithful Give, which will be conducted countywide over the following three days.

"Harvest Fest is certainly something our LC families and Lititz community look forward to," said Jones, "but we really want the surrounding communities to know that they are invited too. You do not need to have a child at Lititz Christian to attend. If you're looking for a family-friendly fall activity, we would love for you to come spend the day with us."

Featured at Harvest Fest will be food, including the school's annual chicken barbecue and desserts; family activities; and children's activities, which will include bounce houses, face painting, carnival games and barrel rides.

There will also be opportunities for visitors to learn more about Lititz Christian School's mission, and donations to the school will be accepted.

More than 500 individuals are expected to attend, including Lititz Christian School families, staff members, alumni, supporters and community members. Harvest Fest organizers are hoping to raise $25,000, proceeds that will go toward the faith-based institution and the work it performs every school day.

"These funds help us continue investing in our students, programs and the Christ-centered education and community we provide for the families we serve," said Jones, a resident of East Petersburg. "My favorite part is seeing so many different parts of our community come together in one place. There's something really special about watching our campus filled with families spending time together."

About 92% of the school's funding is derived from tuition revenue. The remainder of the funding results from charitable giving, fundraising and the generosity of donors aligned with the school's mission.

"The cost of educating our students is more than we charge in tuition," said Jones, "so charitable support through fundraisers and planned giving provide necessary funding for now and future needs."

Established in 1978, Lititz Christian School currently serves more than 500 students and children, from infants to 12th-graders, across all of its programs and at three campus locations.

"Lititz Christian School partners with families to provide a nurturing, Christ-centered educational community where every student, from infancy through commencement, is known, loved, supported and discipled to be a follower of Jesus," said Jones. "One of the things that makes LC unique is the opportunity to serve families through so many stages of their children's lives. We care deeply about academic growth, but our mission goes beyond academics. We want students to grow in their faith, character, relationships and preparation for life beyond the classroom."

For additional information, go to http://www.lititzchristian.net.