Calvary schedules Great Giveaway

For more than two decades, Calvary Monument Bible Church (CMBC) has invited area residents to its Great Giveaway. This year, lead pastor Chris Lenhart emphasized that, along with clothing, household items, and backpacks, the church will offer prayer. "If people have things going on that they would like someone to pray with them about, (prayer) is available here," explained Lenhart. "Or they can put a prayer request on a card, and we will commit to praying for them throughout the fall. We're faithful to pray for every one of those requests."

This year's giveaway, which will feature free clothing, household items, books, toys, and more, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 8 a.m. to noon inside the church, 1660 Mine Road, Paradise. CMBC is located at the corner of Mine and South Kinzer roads.

Since its inception, the Great Giveaway has featured clothing and shoes sorted by size and gender, kitchen items and housewares, toys, books, purses, and accessories. New and gently used items are donated by church attendees and members of the surrounding community. The church will continue to accept donations until noon on Friday, Aug. 9. Any items that are left after the event ends will be donated to area organizations, such as Goodwill.

Amanda Vargas, executive assistant at CMBC, said that she starts planning for the giveaway in April. The event took a hiatus in 2020, but since it returned in 2021, there has been a special effort to include backpacks filled with school supplies. "People from our church donate school supplies, and we just hand (the backpacks) out," said Vargas, who noted that about 30 backpacks will be available to give to any student who comes to the event.

A final feature of the Great Giveaway is free food. Hot dogs and beverages will be available to attendees beginning at 8 a.m. and throughout the event while supplies last.

Vargas added that a door prize of a $100 Weis gift card will be given away this year. Attendees will be asked to register for a chance to win the free groceries.

More information about the event may be found at http://www.calvarymonument.org or by searching for "Calvary Monument Bible Church" on Facebook. Specific questions may be directed to the church office at 717-442-8161.