The Marietta Times
The area might not get a reprieve from rainy weather Saturday but that likely won't keep folks from an annual giveaway event at Putnam Congregational Church.
"Our event will go on no matter what," said Barb Jackson, co-pastor and organizer of the giveaway, which has been held in varying versions for several years.
"In the past we had done the church basement sales and then we decided to make it a giveaway," she said. "But we always have people ask about making a donation. So that's what we are doing this year."
The idea of "Take what you need ... Pay what you can" allows members of the congregation and others to get rid of items they don't need while benefiting others who could use the items. And it allows those who wish to contribute money-in any amount - to do so.
Fact Box
If you go
What: "Take What You Need ... Pay What You Can" event with clothing, household items and more. Some better items available by purchasing raffle tickets five for $1.
Where: Putnam Congregational Church, 707 Masonic Park Road
When: Saturday, 7 to 11 a.m. Preschool carnival to follow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information: 374-7274.
"It's a very resourceful way to clean out our closets and to be a blessing to others at the same time," Jackson explained.
Any money that is donated will also go back into the church to help with various programs, including food pantries, Caring Connection and a fund set up through the church to help members who have fallen on hard times. Jackson said she hopes some money might also come in through raffle ticket sales.
"We always have some bigger, nicer items that are donated ... TVs, exercise equipment, small furniture and kitchen appliances ... we are selling raffle tickets for these items, five for $1," she said.
The event will be from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will be followed by the annual Preschool Carnival. Jackson said that folks sometimes line up an hour early but there are always plenty of good items.
"If it isn't in good shape, I toss it," she said. "We will have bags available and I am encouraging people to bring their own. We would also encourage people to fill one bag and then we'll see what is left."
In the past, the church has allowed people to come in after the event, take what they would like and hold their own yard sale.
"No one wants the stuff back, we want to get rid of it," Jackson said. "But we want to make sure everyone who is in need of something gets what they need."
Members of the community are invited to both the giveaway and the carnival, planned to run in conjunction with the Devola community yard sale day.
"We have people who come to every event," Jackson said, noting that there has always been a big turnout. "We've developed a friendship with some of these people and I look forward to seeing them."
