A group of 5 hand sewn adult and children’s masks made by Theresa Allie are among the auction items (GINA CROSSETTI PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – There is still time to bid on lots for the Paper Mill Elementary School Online Auction, which ends on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. The auction is sponsored by the Paper Mill Parent Teacher Organization, which is led by president Mike Greany.
Auction items are listed on Facebook under “Paper Mill Elementary School Online Auction.” Just click on the discussion tab. Items include Lego sets, hand sewn pillow covers and hand painted wall hangings and signs, a box of masks for adults and children sewn by Theresa Allie, assorted lottery tickets, gift cards to local businesses, children’s books, a Pete the Cat set and gifts for dog lovers, among other items.
PTO treasurer Gina Marie Crossetti, who is organizing the auction, said the PTO recently spent $4,000 to renovate their playground, for which they received a matching grant from the Community Preservation Commission, which covered a little more than half the cost. Now they are trying to replenish their funds.
“We want to make sure students and teachers at the school are provided with enrichment opportunities if they need them,” said Crossetti. She said the goal for this auction is $600. They also held one in August, which raised $450.
Crossetti said new equipment for the playground will be ordered in the next couple of days, and will be installed in the spring.
Minimum bid increments for the auction are one dollar, and should be listed under the item being bid on. Crossetti said to be sure to come back and check to make sure you are not outbid. After the auction ends, winners will be contacted through FaceBook, and arrangements will be made to pick up items at the school on Wed., Dec. 16. If that date doesn’t work, other arrangements will be made.
Crossetti thanked the following businesses and people for helping to make the auction happen: Autumn Tabor, Molly St. Peter, Dominika Podolska-Blair, Tanya Woodbury, Annie Bartlet, Theresa Allie, Martha Roman, Rags to Riches, Westfield Feed, Camp K-9, Richards Grinders, Mama’s Boutique, Vivid Hair Salon and Westfield Gas & Electric.
Crossetti said all of the items were donated. “We would like to thank all the donors. It’s the first time we went into the community to ask for donations. We normally ask the parents. It was great to see support for the school,” she said.
