CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- For decades, rumage sales have been a way to bring in some extra cash for churches. Saturday, The Village Chapel Presbyterian Church in Charleston had a lot of goods up for grabs. Their sale was a little different because they weren't accepting money, just encouraging acts of kindness.

A Sunday school class at the church came up with the idea for a "Pay it Forward" event. It was inspired by the movie that stars Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment. In the movie, a teacher urges his class to make the world a better place by lending a helping hand to others. The principal is if you do something nice for someone, maybe they'll return the favor by helping another person.

To get things started, they asked church members to bring in clothing, toys and household items that were in good condition, but just not of use to them anymore.

"Times are tough and we thought this might be a nice way to share things we have too many of," said Vicki Cunningham, church member. "What we just hope to do is make the world a better place and let people know we are here to help them in any way we can."

As people carried off their bags of free goods, church members took time to explain to them the purpose behind the event. They reminded them that returning a favor just takes a simple friendly act.

"I can remember people letting me in front of them when I had small children and it meant the world to save a few minutes when you have a crying child with you," said Cunningham.

Veronica Myers was among the dozens of people who turned out for the event. She says that she appreciates the church's effort to help out the community.

"They're really helping out the people and I like that. a lot of people around this time don't have a lot. It's a good way to boost your confidence clothes wise," said Myers

The church planned to pass out post cards so folks could record their good deeds, but they got so busy planning the event they just didn't have time.