ELKINS — The Elkins Seventh-day Adventist Church will host a free back-to-school shopping day Sunday at the Highland Adventist School building, located on Kennedy Street in Highland Park.

The event is scheduled to take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is presented by God’s Closet, a ministry of Adventist Community Services that engages churches throughout North America in service to their communities.

The church hosts free shopping days twice a year, and this will be the second one of 2023. The first 2023 God’s Closet event was offered in March and drew close to 220 visitors.

The Free Shop Day provides children’s clothing and bedding for both boys and girls, ages newborn to teens. There is no income or residency requirement for the free items, and all families in the Elkins region are welcome to attend. 

God’s Closet collects new and gently used children’s clothes and shoes for its events. A variety of sizes are always available, and before each event organizers will determine the amount of bags each family can receive.

The amount of bags per family is based on the number of donations God’s Closet has received. To ensure that each family leaves with the same amount of donations, shopping bags are always checked as shoppers exit the facility.

Sunday’s event will be the last big God’s Closet giveaway locally until the spring of 2024. Organizers recommend that parents get all of their children’s school clothes at this weekend’s Free Shop Day. Parents are also encouraged to make sure they outfit their children for the winter months as well. There will be a large selection of winter coats for all sizes, hats, gloves, scarves and some snowsuits.

Christmas items and new products still with tags will also be available at this weekend’s event. Many of these items can be given as gifts during the holiday season, officials said. Some of the non-clothing items featured at the event include backpacks and stuffed animals.

God’s Closet continuously seeks donations for its yearly events that are focused directly on helping children and families in need. Any donations of gently used children’s clothes and shoes are a blessing to struggling families throughout the area.

Additional parking for Sunday’s event will be at the North Elementary School parking lot.

To make a donation or to obtain more information on any Seventh-day Adventist Church events, go to the church’s Facebook page or visit elkinschurch.org. Information can also be obtained by calling 304-801-3206.