What is so often referred to as the season of giving could not be so without a season of shopping.

To many, shopping and gift-giving is an expense that cannot be spared, so Amber Hill of Marshalltown is embracing the holiday spirit of giving by hosting the 1st Ever Christmas Giveaway at 1 p.m., Dec. 21 at Best Western Regency Inn in Marshalltown.

“This is just an option for people to get whatever they need, whatever they want,” Hill said.

The giveaway is both a chance for people to get rid of items that are no longer used, and an opportunity for community members to get what they need for free.

Anybody is welcome to come and look at the items available, and all will be offered at no price.

Hill decided to spearhead the project after seeing a church in Iowa hold a similar event. She wanted to provide those who could not afford Christmas gifts with a free alternative.

“There were so many people who have commented and said that they can’t afford a Christmas,” Hill said. “We never know what people’s situations are.”

This is Hill’s first time heading such an event, but she is hoping to turn it into an annual giveaway, taking a weight off of the shoulders of those who struggle purchasing gifts.

Items for donation for the event can be dropped off after 5 p.m. on Dec. 20 or before 10 a.m. on Dec. 21.

Hill can be contacted with questions on the event’s facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/459142854986469/?active_tab=about

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Contact Shannon Rabotski at 641-753-6611

or srabotski@timesrepublican.com