HURRICANE -- With school starting in another month, families are beginning to shop for those back-to-school specials, and few specials are more fun or a better deal than the "Lil Lambs Fall Consignment Sale," which takes place Aug. 5 and 6 at the Forrest Burdette United Methodist Church, 2848 Putnam Ave., Hurricane.

The Lil Lambs Consignment Sale is a bi-annual sale put on by the ladies at Forrest Burdette in early spring and late summer as an outreach to aid local children in need. According to Publicity Spokesperson Megan Hazelett, this popular sale, which started in the mid-1990s, has generated nearly a half million dollars since its inception.

While the spring sale features warm weather attire, the August sale will feature fall and winter boys and girls clothing, according to Hazelett. In addition, the sale will also include nursery items such as cribs, baby bedding, high chairs, strollers, and car seats. Clothes are sized from newborn to size 20.

Hazelett said shoppers can be assured that all clothing, nursery items and furniture are high quality. As a matter of fact, customers will not have to spend a lot of time examining clothing for problems because all items must pass an inspection by two or three inspectors before being considered for sale. Clothing sold on consignment cannot have rips, tears, or stains. Sellers price their own items. Much of it is name-brand items such as Gymboree and Carter, Hazelett said.

"It's good-quality stuff. They try to keep it a nice sale for people. The prices are fair -- in my experience, they are reasonable," she said.

Shopping carts are available for the customer's convenience. Patrons may pay with cash, and checks are accepted with proper identification. Credit and debit cards are not accepted.

In addition, many items will be discounted on Saturday.

"Many items are half-price based on the seller's discretion," Megan said.

For people who have items they wish to sell, but haven't registered, there are still a few numbers left. However, the last few will go quickly, and the final day for registration to sell is Aug. 1.

If someone decides they would like to have a slot to sell their items, the rent is $5. Items must be clean and without stains or tears. Car seats cannot be more than five years old. After one registers as a seller, he or she is given a date and time to come in with their items and have them inspected before they are put up for sale. Once the items are selected for sale, the seller is given a packet with rules of sale such as where to put a tag on the item. Sellers receive 70 percent of the price, and 30 percent goes to the Forrest Burdette Lady's group to donate to people in need.

For those interested in selling, send your request to lillambs@forrestburdette.com or they can go to the ForrestBurdette.com website and click on "lil lambs." Registration is strictly through e-mail.

On Saturday, Aug. 6, if the seller wishes, the items are sold at half price. However, this is purely by choice. The seller does not have to lower the price on her or his item unless the seller chooses to do so. In addition, after the sale is over, the group donates all leftover items. Sellers may donate if they wish, or they may take their items home with them.

"What you do not sell, you can choose to donate to charity or pick it up on Saturday," Hazelett said.

Hazelett said she, too, has sold her children's clothing at the Lil Lambs sale.

"I started selling about two years ago," Hazelett said. She urges everyone to come out to the sale and enjoy themselves.

"It's a good opportunity to get rid of some items your children have grown out of, and also a chance to give back to the local community," Hazelett said.

Hours for the sale are Friday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon.