The best turnout on record for the Helping Hands Art and Craft Fair at the high school happened Saturday, bringing in many people and the funds necessary to help families throughout Neenah.

Surpassing the previous success of the craft fair was the final totals for this year. According to the Satellite, compared with the 2,352 people in attendance last year, they gained 268 shoppers. Sales from the book drive also went up by $132.15 and overall profits reached an astounding $16,945.05, which was more than a thousand over what they were able to do last year.

Several features of the craft fair make it a popular attraction for people in the Fox Valley. For only $2 at the door, visitors can go to any of the craft booths that line the fieldhouse and hallways, stop by the book sale, grab a bite to eat, listen to the soothing sounds of the Touch of Class orchestra and help families in need throughout the community.

“It was excellent,” Shelley Aaholm, the craft fair coordinator, said with enthusiasm and a beaming smile.

She also shared how the craft fair began as a small event in the cafeteria. A few teachers sold crafts in hopes of raising enough money to equal the amount that used to be donated to the school to help students in need.

Understanding the need that was present in the school and the community, Aaholm started the Helping Hands Craft Fair and the Orbit, an organization providing basic needs to families in the area.

Eleven years later, both are thriving and helping countless students in the school and members in the community. The success of these programs provides a safety net for those in the community who are in need.

“The multitude of what we have been able to do with the money here is astronomical,” Aaholm said.

Not only is she now able to offer a scholarship with the proceeds, but she is able to continue to provide students and families with meals, clothes and other basic needs.

The shortage of basic necessities in the community remains present, but not always known by the public; however, those looking to help out their fellow community members can do so in many ways.

Located on the Neenah Joint School District website is an up to date list of the items currently needed in the Orbit. People looking to help out can also volunteer at the craft fair, donate books to the book drive, or simply visit the Helping Hands Craft Fair when it returns next fall.

The craft fair has had and will continue to have a positive impact on the community and its success is because of Aaholm and the members of the community that come out and support it and provide the families in need a helping hand.