Sentinel file photo The Shelter Service of Mifflin and Juniata Counties, located at 13 Depot St. in Lewistown, offers shelter to the homeless in the community. The shelter is hosting an auction to raise funds on Oct. 4.

LEWISTOWN — Shelter Service is hosting an auction to raise funds for the community shelter.

The event will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 4 at Ron Myers Auctioneering Service, rear 27-29 W. Market St., Lewistown.

In previous years the idea of a live auction had been thrown around with nothing more than Chinese auctions being done. This year, however, Teresa and Tod Fink decided to coordinate the effort and secured an auctioneer and location.

“We view the Shelter as a natural extension of the church’s ministry,” explained Teresa Fink. “Jesus told us in scripture that if we have helped the poor among us, we have helped Him.”

Fink is currently a Pastor of Parkview Church of the Brethren in Lewistown and is also a former Shelter Board member and Shelter employee who did case management; she said she is “passionate about the ministry of the Shelter.”

Current Shelter Board members as well as various other individuals have been soliciting donations from community businesses and individuals in the Tri-County service area- Mifflin, Juniata and Huntingdon Counties and beyond.

Auction items may include gift certificates, themed gift baskets, handcrafted items, quilts, new and like-new items, antiques and collectibles, sports memorabilia, garden and patio items, outdoorsmen items for hunting and fishing, tools.

Electronics, computers, dishes and glassware, or clothing will not be accepted as a donation for the auction.

“We hope to raise money to support the Shelter, ensuring they can remain open in the future, and raise awareness in the community about the Shelter,” explained Fink.

Shelter Service, Inc. has been housing and helping the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless for nearly 40 years. They provide shelter, food, clothing, case management, compassion and hope through their faith-based ministry.

“We hope (the community) will not only respond with donations of items, but will also attend the auction to buy items,” said Fink. “We hope they will consider how they can partner with the Shelter on an ongoing basis in their prayers, giving and volunteering so the Shelter never is at risk of closing.”

Concessions with food and beverages will also be available at the auction.