With Black Friday upon us, getting into the full-swing of Christmas shopping has begun. Instead of making a mad dash to the latest Lalaloopsy or Hot Wheels aisle and throwing elbows to snag the last one for your child, try a tamer shopping experience.

On Dec. 8, Jasper County Conservation will team up with the Jasper County Community Center to host the Santa’s Helper’s Recycle Sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The goal of the event is to act as a mass garage sale of sorts where area residents can bring in their kids’ gently used clothing and toys to sell or trade just in time for Christmas.

“I have a family friend in Johnstown, Pa., and she started this about five years ago and said the response has been amazing,” said Chrissy Rea, naturalist with JCC. “She publicizes it through the churches in her area, and I’ve contacted every church in Newton. It’s really just a way for people to get a second life out of the toys or clothes that children don’t use anymore, and really is an affordable way for people to Christmas shop.”