Head out to Mary Mother of the Church (MMOC) in Mount Joy, and you can pick up a bargain while also supporting the community.

The church, 625 Union School Road, will hold its third annual Christmas in July Bazaar on Saturday, July 15. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

"It's just a fun time to come in, wander around, pick up some inexpensive items and maybe win something, too," said deacon Joe Cingle.

He encourages attendees to participate in the church's "Elves Fill the Shelves" initiative by bringing food items to be donated to local pantries and/or school supplies to be donated to local schools.

"For every three items you bring, you'll get a free Basket Bonanza ticket as a way to say thank you," Cingle said. The Basket Bonanza will feature more than 150 themed baskets. "We have Steelers items, Christmas items, a Pepperidge Farm basket, a USA basket and lots more," Cingle stated. Tickets will also be sold for giveaways of higher-end items, including a handmade quilt, a Nordic exercise machine and a refurbished rocker.

More than a dozen vendors and crafters will be on-site as well, selling items including succulents, jewelry, magnets, ornaments and prints. A "Made by MMOC" section will feature items created by parishoners and will include prayer blankets, drawstring bags, baby bibs, doll clothing and dish cloths. A kids' area will be set up outside, with face painting, a ring toss game, a scavenger hunt and more.

A chicken barbecue will be held as part of the bazaar as well, and although the deadline to purchase tickets has passed, a limited number of dinners will be available for purchase on the day of the event. Breakfast foods, including sausage biscuit sandwiches, bagels, Danishes and muffins, will be available from 7:30 to 11 a.m., and lunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers and baked goods.

The bazaar raises funds for the church but also offers a way for the congregation to connect with the community, Cingle said, adding, "Everyone is welcome, and we hope people will come to spend an hour or two shopping, eating, browsing, talking to people and just enjoying what we have to offer."

For more information, visit https://marymotherparish.org.