NOBLE -- Each year, in conjunction with Hubbard Elementary's fall carnival, a silent auction benefiting the Adopt-a-Child program is held. This year's carnival and auction will be held Oct. 23 in the Hubbard Elementary gym from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Money earned through the auction is used to "purchase school supplies, backpacks, rulers, field trip money, sack lunches for field trips, tennis shoes, socks-just about anything a kid might need for school," said Julie Harris, Hubbard Elementary School's special education teacher and Adopt-a-Child board member.

Harris said oftentimes vendors will provide items at cost because they know it's for a good cause.

Along with Harris, Amee Whitehead, classroom teacher, and community member Debbie Lewis form the Adopt-a-Child board, with Susan Winkler, speech pathologist, serving as chair. They ask teachers to recommend students who become recipients of goods and funds raised at the silent auction.

"It's easy to tell when the weather gets cold who needs a coat," Harris said. "We [also] buy school T-shirts for kids. They're proud of it [the shirt]. It's awesome to see."

Monies from the fall carnival are distributed equally among the classroom teachers to use at their discretion, while funds from the silent auction are dedicated solely for the Adopt-a-Child program. Teachers and their classes often come together and make baskets to be sold at the auction.

The program started more than 14 years ago when Winkler saw students who couldn't go on field trips because they couldn't afford it. Her uncle donated money to help them, and after his passing, Winkler has kept up the tradition of helping underprivileged kids through the Adopt-a-Child program. The only caveat for helping a child is that he or she be tied to Hubbard Elementary in some way.

"The kids know if they need something that they can go to the closet in Mrs. Winkler's room," Harris said.

A variety of unique items can be found at the auction.

"We've had a chocolate basket and an OU basket," Harris said. "One year we had a half side of beef. There's been a rick of wood, a leaf blower and a live pig."

Donations are still being accepted for the silent auction and are tax-deductible. Contact Hubbard Elementary at 872-9201 for more information on where to bring items or to arrange for pick up.