Area groups benefit on Make a Difference Day

Dave Pike estimated he got in about two days worth of work Saturday at the Social Service League Store, 905 R.I.

Pike also had a lot of help from six youths from the Roger Hill Volunteer Center’s Youth Volunteer Council.

“They did a great job,” said Pike, whose wife, Jean Ann Pike, is the director of the thrift shop. “They helped me bring stuff in and get things lined out.”

The youths were among dozens of students and adults in the Lawrence area Friday and Saturday who took part in Make A Difference Day 2003. The national volunteer initiative involved about 2 million people and was sponsored by USA Weekend Magazine and the Points of Light Foundation.

Volunteers from businesses, community organizations and schools fanned out across Lawrence to do repair and cleanup jobs at the homes of senior citizens. They also conducted fall cleaning at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt.

Auction

District plans to sell surplus equipment

Need a piano, chalk board, mop head, pottery kiln, computer desk or playground slide?

If so, the Lawrence school district’s surplus auction at 10 a.m. Saturday is the place to be. The auction will be conducted at Centennial School, 2145 La.

Anna Springe, 9, helps her mother clean and organize playground equipment at the Lawrence Arts Center preschool, 940 N.H.

Tom Bracciano, the district’s director of operations and facility planning, said auctions were the best method of clearing out materials no longer needed by schools.

The auction will include custodial equipment, tools and vehicles, he said.

Revenue from the auction will be deposited in the district’s capital outlay fund.

For more information, contact Paxton Auction Service in Eudora, at (785) 542-3151 or at www.paxtonauction.com.

Entertainment

Dance to raise funds for senior programs

Douglas County Senior Services is sponsoring a Harvest Dance to help raise funds for programs.

The event will be at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Lawrence Knights of Columbus Hall, 2206 E. 23rd St. The dance will feature a silent auction and music performed by the band Swing Shift.

Funds raised at the benefit dance will help provide transportation, adult day services and meals for the elderly.

The Harvest Dance is open to anyone over 21. Tickets are $20 and available at the Lawrence Senior Center, 842-0543.