St. Charles East Woodworkers Craft Some Holiday Help

Excitement was in the air Wednesday afternoon in the Little Theatre at .

Three sides of the room were bordered with tables featuring student-made wood crafts, ranging in size from a walnut grasshopper pull toy and small jewelry boxes to wagons to a blanket box lined with Spanish cedar to a small picnic table to a not-so-small bench.

In the center of the room were rows of chairs for those hoping to get a good deal — and benefit a good-hearted endeavor during the annual St. Charles East Saints Helping Saints Woods Auction, in which student projects from their woodworking classes were sold to the highest bidders in both live and silent auctions. Bidding began about 3 p.m., following a viewing period where visitors could inspect the elaborate, beautifully crafted pieces.

Proceeds from the auction, which totaled $4,335, will be used to purchase gifts for 25 to 30 families in need within St. Charles Community Unit School District 303.