Belk will host its semi-annual charity sale on Saturday, which benefits more than 45 local nonprofits and schools.

The store will open 6-10 a.m. and offer 20-70 percent off. The first 100 customers will receive free Belk gift cards ranging in value from $5 to $100; they will also have the chance to win one of three $1,000 gift cards awarded companywide.

To participate, shoppers should buy a $5 ticket from a participating nonprofit or at their local Belk store, including the one at Lakeshore Mall, 285 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville.

Purchasing a ticket directly from a nonprofit ensures the money goes toward that particular charity. Ticket purchases from Belk are divided equally among all the charities and schools.

“Belk is committed to being involved in our communities and supporting causes important to our customers,” said Jessica Graham, vice president of communications and community relations at Belk. “Each Belk Charity Sale offers us the opportunity to reach thousands of nonprofits across our footprint and to help them raise much needed funds.”

In 2010, Belk’s Charity Sale raised more than $9.5 million for hundreds of participating charitable organizations.

Some local charities and schools involved include the American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Clubs, Disabled American Veterans, Georgia Mountains YMCA, Habitat For Humanity, Humane Society of Hall County, Toys for Tots, West Hall Lady Spartan Basketball and West Hall Middle School, according to a news release from Belk.