The members of Christ Church United Church of Christ (UCC) in Elizabethtown believe in making a difference in their community. When they saw a need among students in the Elizabethtown Area School District (EASD), they acted.

The second annual Threads and Treads event will take place Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 247 S. Market St., Elizabethtown. All proceeds from the event will be used to purchase clothing and shoes and supply other basic needs for students in the district through a special fund set up by the church.

"This fund supports students who otherwise would have fallen through the cracks," said Nadinne Ziegler, event chair, noting that the inaugural Threads and Treads raised more than $10,000. "For 2024-25, we helped 40 students from 20 families by providing essential resources such as clothing, winter gear, shoes, school supplies, household necessities and hygiene products. We served students across all grade levels from kindergarten through grade 12."

The fund also supported five students who are homeless, she said.

"More importantly, despite these students' difficulties, they felt the care, love and compassion from Christ Church UCC and the community of Elizabethtown," Ziegler remarked.

Threads and Treads will feature music by DJ Jimmy Jam, games, a bounce house and giant slide, balloon art, face painting, a bake sale, basket giveaways and other fun activities. In addition, food will be available for purchase from local food truck vendors.

Food vendors will include Christ Lutheran Church, which will sell root beer floats, chicken and french fries; Philly Cheesesteak Co. on the Roll, selling cheesesteaks, french fries, coconut shrimp, mozzarella sticks and boneless chicken bites; and The Candy Unicornium, which will sell candy.

Festivities will take place in the church parking lot, and the event will be held rain or shine.

Hosting a successful event that makes a community impact requires help from many people. Joining Ziegler on the Threads and Treads committee are Dave Andrick, Ryan Best, Amy Dickinson, Sue Eurich, Jennifer Fields, Diane Kretzing, Barbara Russell, Mary Smeltz and Jereme Wells.

Proceeds from the event will go into a fund the church has created specifically to support local students. When staff members at EASD schools see a need for shoes or clothing for students, they will contact Christ Church, where money from the fund will be used to purchase items. Along with sales of food and basket giveaway tickets, money has been raised through donations from local businesses and event sponsors.

This year's sponsors include platinum sponsor Christ Church UCC and gold sponsors DDMP Investment Advisors, Rebman Eyecare, Myers Realty and Conewago Post 329.

"We want to thank the community and businesses for their support of this event," Ziegler said, encouraging people to come out for Threads and Treads. "This is an opportunity for Christ Church to give back to the community, for families to come and have a fun day while being educated of the needs of students attending Elizabethtown School District."

For additional event or sponsorship information, contact Ziegler at nmziegler@comcast.net. To make a donation, visit http://bit.ly/3U6fSCp.