By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—The Henry County Helping Hand Radio Auction was an especially busy place today, with high bids coming in fast and furious. A total of $6,652 was raised today by members of First Christian Church, Habitat for Humanity, and the Literacy Council, bringing the grand total raised so far this year to $168,476.
Each year, thousands of dollars are raised by volunteers for a long list of non-profit organizations in the county. Last year, over $350,000 was raised by Helping Hand.
On Tuesday, items will be donated by: Veterans organizations in Henry County, Paris Elks Lodge, Unforgotten Motorcycle Club and Tennessee State Guard.
On Wednesday, items will be donated by: Tennessee Valley Assoc. of Realtors, Walmart Supercenter, Covenant Ranch, Plus Endowment, and Buddy Ball.
On Thursday, items will be donated by Fairview Baptist Church, the Atkins-Porter Neighborhood, Woodmen of the World, HCHS Theatre Depart., HCHS Speech Team.
On Friday, items will be donated by Hoofbeats of Hope, Trail Life USA and American Heritage Girls, Henry Co. Genealogical Society, Henry Co. Cemetery Committee, Henry County Archives.
Saturday is the First Baptist Church Day.
Helping Hand will run through February 28 and is held each day at the fairgrounds. The Helping Hand Radio Auction is broadcast daily on WTPR AM 710 beginning at 12:30 p.m., and on Saturdays at noon.
Photo: A homemade soup basket by Jerry and Brenda Shankle was one of the items auctioned today. (Helping Hand photo).