Eighth grader organizes
auction to benefit United Way

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Helping Hands Auction participants are: front to back, first row, Maddison Moore, Bailey Stappenbeck, Lindsay McManus; second row, Alli Moore, Carley Randall, Sara McCarthy, Andrew McCarthy; third row, Anna Mitchell, Zachary Nelson, Mitchell Steele, Brett McManus; fourth row, Jacob Lorah, Grace McCarthy, RJ Sturtz, Daniel Ferreri, Eli Lorah; fifth row; Jennifer Isaac, Garrett Steele, Bailey Cramer, Holly Bliek; sixth row, Joseph Ferreri, Michael Isaac, Mackenzie Sturtz. Not pictured: David John Mitchell, Mac Cramer, Megan Bartlett, Kaylyn and Cami Whitney, Vincent Lucenti, David Nelson, Caroline Sturtz, Kaitlin Isaac, Brenna Raes, Sean Randall, Danielle Cranmer and Bryce Stappenbeck.

NEWARK:  Eight years ago, Anna Mitchell, a first grader from Marion, had been greatly affected by a lesson she learned in school about needs and wants. She was alarmed that some people didn’t have enough food to eat or clothes to stay warm. She wanted to sell all the presents she had made for Christmas and raise money for those in need.
Now, eight years later, Mitchell and her friends actually do that, through a silent auction.

On the first Saturday in December, they met at Mitchell’s house and brought their handmade crafts and treasures to sell. Each year the auction has grown.

The Ferreri family and the Bartlett family were among the charter members. This year’s auction featured more than 130 items, such as painted wine glasses, jewelry, wreaths, candles and more, made by children from Marion, Newark and Pittsford. Anna and her friends began work months ago to complete the projects. Some local businesses donated items. Everyone was amazed with the dedication and quality of the handmade items.

Children saw a need and worked together to create a purposeful response. This year, the auction raised $1,250 for the United Way.

“Anna and her friends demonstrate a dedication to the community that is an example to us all,” said Carol Pettis, regional director for United Way of Wayne County. “Their efforts to give back, set an example of the positive influence youth are having in Wayne County.”

United Way of Wayne County officially kicks off its spring 2009 campaign in March. To get involved or to learn how to run an employee workplace campaign, contact the United Way office at 331-2773.

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