The Shepherd’s Closet will be sponsoring a holiday fundraiser for The Gathering Place Mission at 305 White St. in Weissport from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 16.

Items will range from 10 cents to $10 and are either gently used or brand-new. Everything at the event comes from donations from people in the community, surrounding churches and volunteers at the Shepherd’s Closet.

The fundraiser will include a variety of over 200 items for people of all ages and preferences.

Some of the items include gifts for kids such as building blocks, books, roller blades and clothing as well as stocking stuffers such as stuffed animals, crayons, games and other small toys.

The fundraiser also includes a variety of Christmas themed décor, homemade items and other gifts.

Clothing and accessories will also be available for men and women.

Organizer Anita Wisler said all of the money raised at the event will go toward The Gathering Place Mission to help with maintenance costs and repairs for the mission.

Wisler expressed her gratitude for The Gathering Place, saying, “I’m excited that we can do this to help out The Gathering Place here because they provide the building for us to use for the Shepherd’s Closet. This is something we can do to give back to the mission for all the services that they give out in the community.”

Wisler said the event was held during this time of year amid the pandemic because there was a greater need.

“I want to help the people out this year because of COVID. A lot of people are in need of things for Christmas and they can’t afford to go to the store. So for those people that can’t go and purchase items in the store, they can come here and find a gift for under $10 so their family can celebrate Christmas, too.”

In addition to the holiday fundraiser, attendees are also welcome to visit the Shepherd’s Closet, which will be open the same days and hours as the fundraiser at The Gathering Place Mission. The Shepherd’s Closet features a variety of clothing for all ages and genders donated by local members of the community and clothing in that section of the church can be obtained through a small donation. The Shepherd’s Closet is open year-round every second Saturday and third Wednesday of the month.

The Gathering Place Mission plans on starting a food pantry in the upcoming year for those in need in the Weissport area. They also hold weekly Bible study gatherings, monthly free takeout dinners and classes for community members involving subjects like healthy cooking, anger management and addiction.

For more information on the upcoming holiday fundraiser or other activities at The Gathering Place Mission, contact Wisler at 610-377-5395.