Local veterans help underprivileged kids

A nonprofit organization is set to hold its inaugural silent auction to benefit local kids.

On Sept. 20-21, American Veterans Post 29 will host Vets for Kids. The auction will be located at 106 Benning Drive Suite 2 and include live bands and a barbecue, said Jeremy Boynton, commander of the Sons of Amvets.

"We're going around asking all local individuals and businesses to donate items that we can sell in the auction," he said. "One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Destin Community Center for their Christmas gift for kids that they do every year ... giving Christmas gifts to underprivileged families."

Items that will be available for purchase will include fishing trips, artwork, furniture and gift certificates. He said there was also a chance for guests to buy tickets to college football games.

"We have a lot of people donating personal items," said Boynton, who added that doners can also set a minimum bid for their contributions, which are all tax-deductible.

"If the item doesn't sell, we are allowing them to take that item back, or they can let us keep it for a future auction," Boynton said.

Although the event is still in its infancy, he hoped for it to become a yearly shin-dig.

Anyone interested in donating can contact Boynton at 850 502-0246, or Mara Mearns, lady's auxiliary president, at 850 974-3608.

"We are definitely willing to accept cash donations, or anything that we can put a number on and auction out," Boynton said.

For more information, search first annual Vets for Kids Christmas fundraiser on Facebook.