After a hiatus of several years, Hershey Church of the Nazarene has announced the return of its Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature live music, bounce houses, face painting, pony rides and crafts, as well as cornhole and volleyball tournaments. New this year will be a hayride around the church property. All activities are free, and the public is welcome to attend.

"It's a way to reach out to our community," said church board member Susan Crawford, event organizer, when explaining the return of the popular event.

In addition to the activities, free food will be provided, including hot dogs, chips, s'mores and beverages.

Activities will take place in the large field behind the church. Teams playing volleyball and cornhole do not need to register in advance to participate. Prizes will be awarded.

In lieu of an admission fee, attendees are asked to bring donations for Love INC of Greater Hershey, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance and support to individuals and families in need within the community.

"We are accepting hygiene and household products and paper products. We will try to pack the church van," said Crawford.

One of Love INC's programs is its Personal Care Closet Ministry. The Personal Care Closet provides local food pantry clients with personal care, household and baby items.

According to http://www.loveincgreaterhershey.org/donate, the ministry's most-needed items include toilet paper, paper towels, mouthwash, shampoo and shaving cream. Other needed items include bar soap and body wash, sunscreen, dish and laundry detergent, disinfectant wipes, hand soap and hand sanitizer. Visit the website to view the complete list.

Hershey Church of the Nazarene is located at 986 E. Governor Road, Hershey. The Fall Festival will be held rain or shine.

The church holds Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. Children's church is offered at the same time. Prior to the service, there is a fellowship time with coffee and doughnuts at 9:30 a.m. Services are livesteamed on Facebook.

For more information about the Fall Festival, visit http://www.facebook.com/hersheychurchofthenazarene or call the church office at 717-534-2010. More information about the church is available at http://www.hersheynazarene.org.