Back-to-school shopping can be expensive, but not at God's Clothing Closet. The ministry of Ruhl's Church invites you to pick up clothing, footwear and accessories for people of all ages at the annual giveaway.

The event will be held by appointment only on Friday, Aug. 25, from 3 to 7 p.m. It will also be held on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 8 to 11 a.m. No appointment is needed for Saturday. The church is located at 4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim.

"It's set up a like a department store," said Kris Gray, one of the event organizers. She added that items are sorted into departments, such as ladies', men's and children's, and are also organized by size. "It's really like you're shopping in a store, except everything is free," she noted.

The church accepts donations year-round for the giveaway, and event organizer Barb Dunmire noted the selection is always extensive.

"It's really better than shopping at a department store, because here you have so many choices and all seasons," she said. "People really enjoy coming to this year after year. They look forward to it. You don't have to be in need to come. Anyone is welcome."

Along with clothing, shoes and accessories, God's Clothing Closet will offer a selection of devotional materials and Bibles. Child care will be available while parents shop, and free blood pressure checks will be offered on-site. Grab-and-go snacks will also be available at the exit.

Most items that are left over after the event are donated to Jubilee Ministries in Manheim, Gray said. "Nothing goes to waste," she remarked.

This is the 23rd year for the giveaway, and last year's event served more than 440 shoppers. That number represents an increase of almost 150 shoppers from the previous year, Gray said.

Gray emphasized that it takes a group of volunteers to pull off the giveaway every year, with people putting in more than 370 hours of work in the days leading up to the event. Volunteers pre-sort clothing throughout the year as well.

The church will accept donations for the giveaway beginning on Monday, Aug. 21. Donations may be left under the covered front porch at the church, and labeling the bag with the size and type of clothing is helpful, Gray said. "Something we're typically low on is bigger boys' clothing," she remarked. "They tend to wear it out, so there's always a need for that. Men's clothing also goes really fast, so we always need men's clothing."

She invites everyone to come shopping at the event. "Come check it out and get some new-to-you clothes," she said. "It's a lot of fun."

To schedule an appointment for Friday, text 717-201-7566 or call that number and leave a message.