The Pregnancy Center of Clermont is asking the community for its support at the Eastgate Mall’s fifth annual “Night of Giving.”

“Winter is upon us once again, and the pregnancy center needs warm clothing, coats, shoes, and layettes (complete outfits or bedding for newborn babies) for our clients’ children from ages one to ten,” said center Director and President Jane Wittmann.

Wittmann, who started the pregnancy center in 1986, said that the mission of the center is to assist women in crisis pregnancies with the teachings of Jesus Christ by offering a variety of pre-natal care services.

“We offer free pregnancy tests and screenings, free clothing for children, free furniture when available – such as cribs and high chairs, free diapers and formula, health care advice, practical advice in regards to financial assistance, and counseling towards the saving of lives.”

Wittmann said that the $5 donation to shop at the “Night of Giving” will help the center in providing the aforementioned services and in the process, save children’s lives.

“The event has been very successful in the past and it has only gotten larger over the years,” Wittmann said. “There are many churches and local organizations involved. The Eastgate Mall dreamed up this idea to raise money for different charities five years ago and we were pleased to get involved. Unfortunately, we cannot do it alone; we need to get the community involved as well.”

The community will have that chance at the “Night of Giving” which will take place at the Eastgate Mall from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 19.

Tickets are $5 per person; children under 12 are free with a paid adult.

All mall stores will be open for the event and many of those will offer exclusive discounts and special gifts with each purchase.

In addition to entertainment and door prizes, Santa will make a special appearance to listen to children’s holiday wishes.

“The night of giving will give the pregnancy center much needed exposure,” said Wittmann. “Some people do not even know that we exist. We also need money to keep our important programs going and the center operating. Last year alone, over 1,000 women came through the center seeking help.”

Kathy Wildermuth is a counselor at the pregnancy center.

“There is an enormous amount of traffic in this center,” Wildermuth said. “We are here to help those precious girls who feel they have nowhere else to go. The ‘Night of Giving’ will enable us to continue providing help and counseling for those in need. Sometimes all they need is reassurance that someone is here who cares or a calming word. We are putting them on the right path. Coming together as a community to support these women will ultimately save their lives and the lives of their unborn babies.”

The general public will not be able to enter the Eastgate Mall without a ticket.

To purchase tickets for the Eastgate Mall’s “Night of Giving” or to contact the Pregnancy Center of Clermont, call (513) 753-7677.