Shawville’s Bethel Pentecostal Church hosted its first annual community giveaway on Saturday.
People perused a wide array of goods in the church’s rear parking lot, including clothing, chairs, toys and textiles.

The official start time for the inaugural event was 10 a.m. but people arrived up to an hour beforehand to start browsing the collection.

Pastor Edwin Valles has been with the church since November, and he has been trying to organize events since then to get involved in Shawville community life.

“We really just want to have that relationship [with the community], just to let them know we’re here and we care about our community,” he said.

“There’s no strings attached. If you want anything, you can take it.”

Barb Ostrom of Shawville was one of the people browsing tables at the giveaway, and was pleased to take home a couple of blankets and quilts.

“I’m expecting a new grandchild,” she said. “These are just what I need.”

Valles said a good number of the items were donated by people in the church, but many were given by members of the community.

He said the church was able to get the word out through ads and through word of mouth, and he is happy with the amount of items it received.

A team of about 15 volunteers from the church helped sort through the donations and set up tents and tables for the event.

In addition to the items being given away, there was also free food including a hot dog barbecue and a popcorn stand.

Entertainment was provided courtesy of Valles’ brother, who drove to Shawville from Toronto to play songs of faith for the event-goers.