On Saturday, the non-profit agency will hold its second annual Chinese and Silent Auction and Fashion Show between 1 and 4 p.m. at Clarks Mills United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on state Route 358, a mile east of U.S. Route 19.

Money raised from the event will go toward the purchase of a 3/4-ton cargo van. The agency, which includes a food pantry and a new and gently used clothing and household store called Grace's Boutique, offers financial assistance and referrals for financial, legal or rental problems. It raised more than $3,000 toward the van at the first auction. Follow-up contributions from churches, vacation Bible schools and private citizens brought the total donations to $9,000.

Helping Hands hopes to get an additional $10,000 to buy the van, which will be used to pick up food at Community Food Warehouse in Farrell, Giant Eagle and Wal-Mart in Greenville, and food and coat drive pickups at area post offices, among other places.

They are also asking for donations of merchandise, services or cash toward both of the auctions. Businesses will receive a tax receipt and publicity.

Admission to the auction is $5 for adults, which includes six Chinese auction tickets, and $2 for children 12 and under, which includes three Chinese auction tickets. Refreshments will be available.

Some of the items on the auction block include a Mario Lemieux-signed Nike hockey stick; a Wendell August Forge ornament set; an anti-rust gun storage cloth; a Jansport backpack; a nativity wreath; a two-sided Little Tikes easel; and gift certificates from various restaurants, grocery stores and retail businesses.

For more information, call (724) 376-3231 or check out www.hlpghnds.netfirms.com