Santa's Secret Hands Raises Over $24,000 For Local Needy

State Senator-Elect Steve Meredith address the large crowd today.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
The Brownsville Community Center was packed today with folks looking to make a difference in their community while bidding on some great items and gift packages. When it was all said and done, over $24,000 was raised at the annual Santa's Secret Hands benefit auction today.

"There were other events going on in the county today, plus it was the first day of deer season, so we were a little worried about our turnout," said event coordinator, Mark Wardlow. "The other events didn't really seem to hurt our crowd and we were very happy with the turnout."

The organization will use the funds to purchase Christmas gifts for Edmonson County folks that are in need. Wardlow says the program benefits an array of needy folks, all of which must reside in Edmonson County.

Ricky Keith volunteered as today's auctioneer.

Those that are helped by the program are Edmonson County school children (up to age 18) and their younger siblings, those in the nursing home that don't fall under family or church care, residents of the local adult day care center, and some recommended by Community Action and Lifeskills.

Mark Wardlow and some young volunteers describe an item about to be auctioned.

"These gifts really count, too," said Wardlow. "Sometimes a person just wants a flannel shirt or a new pair of work boots. Sometimes it's an elderly lady who doesn't want anything for herself, but can't afford to buy her husband something." 

He also said over $600 was raised for the new Senior Food Pantry, located inside the Community Center.

Wardlow gave all credit to the volunteers, donors, and those that attended.

"There are so many people that make this happen. All the great gifts and items that were donated, the hard work our volunteers put in this all year long, everyone that came out and helped in anyway, we just appreciate them so much," he said.

And with turmoil and uncertainty ruling national headlines these days, it's good to know that folks still come together in Edmonson County, Kentucky to help their community when they can. The Edmonson Voice salutes everyone that helped Santa's Secret Hands benefit auction become another success this year. Someone's holidays will be a little brighter this year thanks to you.