Each Tuesday, 15 men ranging in age from 19 to 75 gather at Caring Hearts, one of several centers in Lancaster County that serve members of the Plain community. On Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the converted barn where the group meets hums with activity.

According to Chris Glick, who, along with Sarah Glick, oversees Caring Hearts on those days, the men who participate spend time in worship, singing hymns, and hearing a Bible story. Work time includes counting out 100 screws and then transferring them to boxes. "We pack Tapcon screws for hardware stores and screws and small bolts in assortments," said Chris, who noted the men also put washers on bolts and lags for swing set shops. At 11 a.m., the group stops for lunch, followed by some game time, which often includes cornhole. Work starts again at 1 p.m., and another break is offered at 1:30 p.m. "(The men) usually play a memory game then, which is good for the mind," said Chris.

Caring Hearts and the other centers - Special Hearts Circle, Sunbeam, Sunny Sunbeam, New Horizons, Upper Valley Workshop, Shady Hollow, and Sunnyside Specials - together give the more than 100 adults with special needs who attend a chance to socialize and do productive work. Chris relayed that some of the men at Caring Hearts come from as far away as Holtwood and Maryland, and one comes from Lebanon.

To help support the centers, organizers hold a yearly bring-something, buy-something auction. The 17th annual Special Needs Benefit Auction will be held on Monday, July 3, at Fisher's Quality Dairy Sales, 3304 B Old Philadelphia Pike, Ronks. The auction will begin at 11 a.m., but a variety of foods will be offered for sale beginning at 5:30 a.m.

Highlights of this year's auction will include crafts, tools, sheds, and outdoor furniture. A 26-by-28-foot garage, built on the highest bidder's site, will go up for auction. The building will have a concrete floor, two garage doors, and an attic with stairs. Other items will include grills, scooters, wagons, and a flag croquet set. Quilts will be sold at 4 p.m., and carriages, swing sets, and sheds will be sold beginning at 6 p.m.

Food that will be available for purchase at the auction includes breakfast items such as egg sandwiches, doughnuts, breakfast logs, and coffee. Lunch items will include cheesesteak sandwiches, barbecued chicken and ribs, sub sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, fried shrimp, salad, fruit cups, french fries, blooming onions, and soft pretzels. The list of beverages offered will include smoothies and iced coffee. Ice cream, fry pies, and baked goods will be on the dessert menu. Food may be eaten on-site or taken out. Drive-through service will be available from 5:30 a.m. through 6 p.m.

Chris first became involved with Caring Hearts around 2012, serving as a substitute before taking over in late 2019. "I enjoy it," he said. "You get attached to the guys." Chris views his work as bringing purpose to the men. "I try to keep them occupied, and then they are happy," he said. "It's good for the mind to keep it occupied."

Those who would like to donate items to the sale may call 717-687-5152, 717-354-2380, or 717-768-7417. On the day of the sale, individuals with questions may call 717-455-3987.