GALLERY: Red Cross Auction

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Sandhills Chapter of the American Red Cross volunteer Jennie Geddings said Friday that the organization’s 9th annual auction didn’t just bring in the most money for the organization.

“It was also our best well attended,” she said. “We counted more than 100 people overall. That’s the most we’ve ever had.”

Held at Manning United Methodist Church on June 26, the auction featured everything from juicers and antiques to specialty items like a concrete sculpture of the state of South Carolina by Smith Construction of Sumter.

John Milton Odom and his son, Johnny, of Odom Auction, conducted the event, which benefits the charity that swoops in after terrible and disastrous events like fires, floods or vicious storms and aids families who are displaced and despondent.

Typically, the organization helps with temporary emergency shelter, toiletries and hygiene materials and food.

Executive Director Nancy Cataldo said the average cost per person is about $629 in the Sandhills Chapter’s four-county jurisdiction, which includes Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties.

She said support during winter months can be more difficult, because families typically need “winter seasonal garments.”

“We always need the community’s support to assist families who have been displaced after home fires and other disasters,” Cataldo said.

Cataldo said that 93 cents of every dollar made will benefit local residents. The chapter’s other three counties also hold their own similar fundraisers.