Peanut City Auction is sponsoring a charity event to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina next month.

The business, located at 1239 Carolina Road, is collecting new and gently used items to auction off at the fundraiser at 10 a.m. Oct. 1.

&uot;We’re taking anything but clothes,&uot; said Frances Chittum, the business’ owner. In coming weeks, she plans to approach local businesses about contributing items that can be auctioned off.

&uot;People really came through at charity auctions we have had in the past,&uot; she said.

All proceeds from the benefit auction will go to hurricane victims, through a contribution to a disaster relief organization such as the American Red Cross, Chittum said.

&uot;The news coverage we have been watching is just heart-wrenching,&uot; she said. &uot;If everyone donates just a little something, we could raise money to help these victims begin to rebuild their lives.&uot;

Individuals or businesses with items to donate can drop them off at the auction house during business hours Monday through Friday. For more information, call Barry Chittum at

923-1711 or 621-3525.

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com