The Lakeside Public sale was crammed with a spirit of giving and group this vacation season as quite a few households had been seen leaving with smiles, having obtained items from their group.
On Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, individuals gathered from 3-7 p.m. on the Lakeside Public sale in Covington, united by a spirit of giving. Kids took photographs with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch and eagerly obtained items. From the second the occasion started, the environment was crammed with generosity, pleasure and a robust sense of group.
Usually, this volunteer group would acquire and distribute items to states reminiscent of West Virginia, Virginia or Tennessee. Nonetheless, after 12 years of spreading vacation cheer, Lakeside Public sale and longtime auctioneer Samantha Patrick determined this yr to focus their efforts regionally, gathering items from January by December for donation to youngsters in Covington.
Patrick mentioned that the success of the initiative was considerably boosted by the group rallying round Lakeside Public sale.
“Lakeside Public sale has its personal superb sellers and clients,” Patrick mentioned, highlighting the essential position the native enterprise performed within the effort. “They got here in and donated and wrapped the items as nicely.”
Their community of devoted sellers and clients didn’t simply contribute financially; they invested their time and private effort to make sure every reward was thoughtfully wrapped.
This joint effort enabled Lakeside Public sale to distribute a major variety of presents.
“We wrapped about 5,000 items this yr, with every little one receiving two items and a stocking,” Patrick mentioned.
This initiative, fully supported by group donations and efforts, supplied items to 600 youngsters, spanning grades pre-Ok by fifth, in the course of the vacation season. The accessible presents included objects additionally for youngsters with particular wants, along with items that catered to some older youngsters as nicely. The robust turnout mirrored how deeply the group and Lakeside Public sale worth giving again, particularly in the course of the vacation season.
For Patrick, this occasion holds a detailed place in her coronary heart.
“This can be a huge group effort that all of us attempt to donate to and get behind,” Patrick mentioned.
Along with distributing toys, Lakeside Public sale supplied meals for the households, with every particular person receiving a spaghetti dinner. Patrick additionally talked about that numerous needs-based objects had been distributed, together with family items and toiletries.
The toy drive served as a compelling demonstration of the achievements doable when individuals come collectively for a great trigger. Lakeside Public sale not solely contributed toys but additionally fortified group relationships whereas spreading vacation cheer.
As the vacation season concludes, the impression of this occasion will likely be skilled by households all through the group.
