Nearly 50 area residents came to the Athens United Methodist Church Saturday in hopes of winning a variety of prizes and to support the Sayre-Athens Lioness Club.
    The Sayre-Athens Lioness Club’s annual Chinese auction is in its 12th year and featured nearly 225 groups of donated items available to those submitting their numbered kidney beans in the associated jars.
    “The community support has been really good,” said Co-president Mary Sarisky. “They know that most of our monies go to stay right in the community toward scholarships at the high schools, for the Salvation Army, for the libraries, and most of the people know that, and whenever we have an event they turn out.”
    Co-president Carol Reed seconded Sarisky’s thanks to the community, especially those family and friends of club members who donated the items being auctioned off.
“Without the support we couldn’t donate to Valley libraries, the food pantry, Salvation Army, and people in need,” said Reed.
    Reed added that soon after the conclusion of this event the club will begin organizing next year’s fundraiser.
    The Chinese auction also featured a 50/50 raffle, small book sale, and hot dogs and refreshments for those in attendance.
    The Sayre-Athens Lioness Club is currently made up of 38 members and meets on the third Monday of every month at Tomasso’s on Route 17C in Chemung. Anyone interested in joining is invited.
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    Matt Hicks can be contacted at matthicks@morning-times.com.