The basement of St. John's Lutheran Church in Jim Thorpe is bursting at the seams with clothing, toys and household items.

And it's all free, beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday.The church, which is located at 319 South Ave. in the heights section of the borough, is hosting its 17th annual clothing giveaway. The event runs through Aug. 22.Although the collection didn't officially begin until July, items began to filter in back in May.In no time, the church basement was packed. Volunteers have been sorting and folding clothing for weeks.The response has been outstanding."The last two years we've had a lot more people picking up and donating," says volunteer Mary Strohl.Not only are there dozens of tables filled with free clothing and other items, the back room is full as well. As the inventory moves, volunteers will keep restocking the tables.Leta Thomson says there is a huge selection available for infants and toddlers."There are more baby clothes than other years," says Thomson, "and more baby items and toys."Organizers say that a lot more clothing has been donated this year in extra large sizes as well.William Neives, another volunteer, adds that there are also several battery operated riding toys. The stage, located at one end of the lower level, boasts plenty of toys, as well as a variety of household items."I was amazed at how quickly everything went last year," says Ann Louise Hayes, referring to the toys and household items. "Almost everything on the stage was gone in three days."Anyone is welcome to attend the giveaway, regardless of their circumstances. People usually come from all over.Everything is free.In addition to clothing for men, women and children, toys and household items, "shoppers" can expect to find purses, belts, socks, curtains and shoes a lot of shoes."We have shoes galore," says Strohl."People are really overwhelmed about the quality of what's here," says Thomson. "We don't put out anything that's stained or damaged."Some of the items are even brand new.In addition to Strohl, Thomson, Neives and Hayes, volunteers for this year's giveaway include: Bonnie Hoffman, Nancy Juracka, Mary Horn, Florence Zeigler, Tom Strohl, Tom Strohl Jr., Christine Strohl, Miriam Borosh, Beverley Vincler and Luther Snyder.Thomson says that any items remaining at the end of the giveaway will be donated to an organization in need.Last year whatever was left over was sent to a mission in Allentown.Days and times for the giveaway are as follows:• Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.• Fridays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.• Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.For directions and a map to the church, visit

www.stjohnsinjimthorpe.org.