The St. Albert Alliance Church is holding its 16th annual Share & Wear this Saturday, Oct. 19.
Held twice a year, the event offers an abundance of free clothes, toys, household items and even small electronics.
Melissa Anthony, receptionist at the church, said the event draws between 800 and 1,000 people each time and takes about 100 volunteers to run.
Clothes and items are dropped off on Friday and sorted into age and gender appropriate areas until the doors open at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.
“I think a very large amount of the people that attend are people that are in financial need. They can’t really afford to buy all that many clothes,” she said. “We always have winter clothes as well and blankets. You can tell that people are quite blessed that they can get an entire season worth of clothes for their kids.”
Old suits in great condition are often available, Anthony added. Last year someone brought a wedding dress and people often find graduation dresses and bridesmaids dresses, she said.
Anything left is donated to local organizations such as the Salvation Army or the Edmonton shelters.
The event runs from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the St. Albert Alliance Church, located on Villeneuve Road, one kilometere west of St. Albert Trail.
