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Good Shepherd Ministries is hosting the granddaddy of all yard sales beginning Thursday, Aug. 21, through Saturday, Aug. 23. Good Shepherd's Colossal Yard Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. rain or shine at 185 Shoup Mill Road near the corner of North Main Street.

Good Shepherd is a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to restoring, from a Christian perspective, the lives of people after incarceration. Its financial support is derived from an annual gala, church breakfasts, yard sales and community appeals.

Former inmate Jerry Thomas learned about the ministry two months ago. He's now the office administrative assistant.

"Yes, I was incarcerated but I'm not ashamed of it," Thomas said. "I first read about Good Shepherd in the paper and called them. The director, Dale Nieberding, suggested I come in and fill out an application. I did an interview and told them what my needs were and now, here I am."

Thomas said Good Shepherd is not just a post-prison ministry.

"Good Shepherd is an a agency that not only helps former prisoners but also assists the homeless and people in need by giving them bus tokens, job coaching, job referrals and clothing. Our halfway house is at 213 Linden Ave. Proceeds from the yard sale will go to upgrade that."

The Colossal Yard Sale features "97 dressers in excellent condition, 103 mattresses, bed frames, 23 wood Formica desks, glassware, books, fall jackets, silk flowers, sheets, blankets and comforters." A bag sale begins on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2167 or kmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.