Bids at the Butler County 4-H fall auction might be a little higher than what the item is worth, but it is typically out of generosity.

“Things always seem to go for more than what they are worth because people know they are helping the kids,” said Amy Metrick, Butler County 4-H educator.

The annual auction is Oct. 14 at East Butler Fire Station, and Metrick said members of 4-H clubs throughout the county are preparing items to auction at the event.

Metrick said 4-H members create some of the items that are auctioned in the fall, creating quilts, baked goods, wreaths and other crafts and foods to help raise money.

Metrick also said the auction raises an average of $10,000 each year, which goes directly back to county clubs, many of which also have children members help at the auction.

“All of the funds come back to Butler County 4-H, and it is used to send kids to camp, to help with local and regional and national events, to send kids to competitions,” Metrick said. “Every 4-H in Butler County is asked to participate, whether they donate an item, carry items on stage, maybe they help in the food booth.”

In addition to 4-H leaders and children, the auction will be run by two auctioneers who also help at the Butler Farm Show livestock auction. Metrick said a listing of all of the items will be available for browsing prior to the start of the auction to help people decide what they would like to bid on.

“Everything we sell is either new or antique status,” Metrick said. “We have items from home goods to tools, decorations, baskets — just a wide variety of stuff.”

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the event is free to attend.