The members of Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren want to spread joy this Christmas season, so they're hosting a Holiday Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 23. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 777 S. Mount Joy St., Elizabethtown.

The celebration will feature a variety of children's activities; shopping opportunities; access to free gently used household items, books and toys; and lunch for purchase.

"We are planning a scavenger hunt to have kids see various rooms used by the children through teens," shared Peggy Shaffer, one of the event organizers, adding that children may also take home a balloon creation from a balloon artist who will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Secret Santa area will invite children to purchase small gifts for their loved ones at a nominal cost.

"Additionally, the children will be able to create a craft or two to take home with them," said event organizer Sandy Brubaker, who explained that crafts can be made while parents browse the free items. "The children will be able to hear the organ playing and get a chance to use and ring the bells as well." Opportunities to play the bells will take place at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and the organ demonstrations will be held at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. A photo booth will also be set up for kids to pose while wearing Nativity costumes.

Food, including a chicken barbecue, will be available for purchase. "The chicken barbecue is only chicken and is for takeout. No advance orders are necessary," said Shaffer. "We are offering chili, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit and whoopie pies for eating on-site." Free coffee will be served, and a variety of baked goods, including cookies, pies and candies, will be for sale as well.

The church has hosted community events similar to this in previous years but none with this specific focus, said event organizer Karen Ungemach. "We have held holiday events in the past, but this year we wanted to focus on children's activities," she said. "We felt adding gently used household items and clothing for all ages would help with sharing what we have with others who would benefit from what we had once needed."

Holiday gifts will also be available for purchase, including fair-trade items from the nonprofit SERRV and the farmers' cooperative Equal Exchange.

Proceeds from the event will benefit a community organization, but details are still being finalized, organizers said. "Elizabethtown Area Communities That Care is one organization. We are open to other local organizations that help the community, and it will depend on the amount of the proceeds we generate," Shaffer explained.

The church members are looking forward to seeing people of all ages at the Holiday Celebration. "We encourage the community to come to a fun event with activities for the children as the adults get to enjoy coffee and see them playing in a safe environment," Brubaker remarked. "We want to share our wealth of gently used items with those who would be the new owner."

For more information, visit http://www.etowncob.org.