FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mama’s House Thrift Shop and 12 Step Bookstore announces a new take on holiday shopping with the “Spooktacular Christmas Extravaganza” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at Thelma Parker Gym in Waimea.

Plus, as a gift to community members who send clothes to family off-island, Mama’s House is offering thousands of free clothing items for men, women and children.

“We have so much,” said Beth Mehau, executive director of Mama’s House umbrella nonprofit The Pantry. “And many people around the island send clothing items to their families in the Philippines, Guam, the Marshall Islands and elsewhere. We’d be thrilled to give it away and keep this volume out of our landfills.”

According to Mehau, shipping costs to have the clothing sent through a donation program were in excess of $10,000.

“That’s too much, and there’s no reason to dump these perfectly usable things. Please tell everyone to bring a bag and fill it up with whatever they need, because we have more than enough.”

In addition to the clothing giveaway, Mama’s House will feature a wide array of some new and many gently-used holiday items for sale — from Halloween costumes for children and adults, to Christmas decorations, holiday linens, lights, trees, toys and much more.

There will also be a selection of unique island arts and crafts for one-of-a-kind gifts. (Crafters may call 887-2289).

At the “Spooktacular,” tickets will be available for another event, Ledward Kaapana & Friends in Concert — a fundraiser for the ‘Ohana in the Arts at Waimea Artists’ Guild (WAG), 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at Kanu o ka Āina New Century Public Charter School.

Admission: $15 adult, $9 youth 4-12, keiki 3 and under free, includes chili, rice, salad bar and beverages, live concert and Arts Market 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This is an alcohol/drug free event, project of The Pantry dba Waimea Artists’ Guild.

“Our ‘Spooktacular’ is the same day as Waimea Middle School’s Container Sale, Country Fair and Concert,” said Mehau, “and that makes it a wonderful day to come to Waimea, shop local for tons of great bargains, enjoy some music, get your tickets for the November third event, talk story with your neighbors, and work together to make ours a more sustainable community.”

The Pantry is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, of which Waimea Artists’ Guild and Mama’s House Thrift Store are components. WAG is an association of professional artists whose intent is to produce art and promote education in their community.

The Guild was created by graduates of HOEA, the Hawaiian Ohana for Education in the Arts, whose mission is to increase the number, accessibility, and visibility of Native Hawaiian Arts and Artists.

For additional information, contact Beth or Tom Mehau at 887-2289, email waimeaartists@gmail.com or visit www.waimeaartistsguild.com