Local Residents Turn The Great Church Giveaway into a Free-For-All

To hear Allison Selk’s account, there was nothing to it, really.

Selk makes the idea of “The Great Church Giveaway” sound like one that just dawned on the faithful as the sun climbed in the sky at Minooka Bible Church.

“Five years ago, a church decided to have a garage sale to benefit those who live in surrounding areas,” she said. “Then, the concept of giving away items members of the church could do without seemed real, seemed on target, thus, creating The Great Church Giveaway.”

Today, the event has grown in size and in scope.

“It’s a chance to live out the Gospel, which is the good news and the good work of Jesus and it starts right in our neighborhoods,” said Minooka Bible Church head pastor Arol McFadden in an email.

This year’s Great Church Giveaway—the fifth annual event—will be from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, at Minooka Bible Church, 412 N. Wabena Ave., Minooka, with the entrance at the main/east facing doors of the church. There will be folks on hand to assist in unloading donated items from vehicles and shopping bags will be provided.

Selk said she expects hundreds of visitors to "shop" for free items at the annual garage sale, the list running gamut from clothing and toys to electronics and furniture.

She noted the Minooka area suffered through a hardship due to flooding, mostly along the Aux Sable River, last spring, and how many residents lost items or had serious damage done to their homes. McFadden said this is a chance to help those hit the hardest.

“Any guest will be met with love and respect,” he said. “Many in our community have lost significant household items in the flood earlier and the giveaway will be meeting some very real needs for those who saw floodwaters decimate their living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens.”

Selk said donations for the giveaway will be accepted by church officials from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, at Minooka Bible Church. She asks that items donated be “gently used.”