April Jones, known for her boundless ambition and community-minded efforts, is once again spearheading her popular fall clothing giveaway, “Give the Shirt off Your Back.” Building on the success of last year’s events, Jones has organized the giveaway to take place on Nov. 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Nov. 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Arendtsville Fire Department.
Participants can expect more than just free clothing. Papa Louie’s Food Truck will offer meals for purchase on Saturday, while Tamales Caseros will be serving up their signature tamales on Sunday. Both days will feature sweet treats from Victoria Casita Bakery.

The event, which Jones describes as being “for everyone,” is a testament to the community’s generosity and support. Clothing for children, adults, handbags, coats, shoes, and costume jewelry will be available for attendees to browse and take as needed. Special raffles for items like a bike and a stroller are also planned, adding an extra element of excitement.
Tara Roush, a dedicated Arendtsville resident who volunteered last year and is helping again this fall, expressed her admiration for the event. “I like that it’s for anybody. The way the community donates and shows support is amazing. It shows that kindness isn’t dead,” she said. Roush also shared her joy in connecting with attendees, adding, “I love seeing the people that come down for this. It gives an extra opportunity to give a smile and show some love.”
Jones, who humorously calls the giveaway “a hair-brained idea” that started with just six bags of clothes, has expanded her efforts significantly. This year, she has set aside 50 boxes of clothing for Sunday alone and noted an increase in options for tweens.
However, future events remain uncertain due to challenges in securing storage space. Any leftover items will be donated to Zion Church for Community Aid, which in turn supports Johns Meals—a program providing food to local students and their siblings.
In addition to the clothing giveaway, Jones is also organizing the Arendtsville Christmas Parade, scheduled for Dec. 7, ensuring the community spirit continues into the holiday season.
For now, Jones and her team remain focused on making this weekend’s giveaway another resounding success, reinforcing the idea that small-town kindness is alive and well in Arendtsville.
Amy Thomas, Contributing Editor, is responsible for community outreach, including our social media presence. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. Amy also works in early childhood education and occupational therapy, and volunteers with local organizations.