ISHPEMING - The Ishpeming Salvation Army is gearing up for Christmas already, starting with the organization's annual Harvest Festival Dinner and Auction.
The chili dinner and auction get under way at 5 p.m. Wednesday, beginning with the dinner and the auction to follow at 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army building.
"Money raised at the auction goes toward helping people at Christmas and winter utilities," said Liz Nevala of the Salvation Army. "This year, with the cuts they've had in the state, we're getting less funding than we've ever had."
To help raise some extra funds, the Salvation Army puts on the fall auction, this year with items such as autographed sports items, clothing, hotel packages, a grill, gift certificates and outdoor furniture items.
"We have more gift certificates than we've ever had," Nevala said.
New this year are items that donating businesses have provided at cost, meaning the Salvation Army gets to keep whatever funds are raised over the price of the item.
Running the auction this year is Paul Bonetti.
While the auction is free to attend, the chili dinner is $5 per person.
Those who need assistance during the holidays or through the winter months must fill out an application at the Salvation Army office, Nevala said. Christmas applications will be accepted starting Nov. 1.
The auction usually brings in about $2,000 for the charity.
Johanna Boyle can be reached at 906-486-4401.
