FAIRFIELD - When Holly Bennion heard Heather House was in need of financial support, she began to think of ways to involve community members to raise funds.

She immediately thought of Saturday's Cordelia garage sale, an annual event that attracts shoppers from San Jose to Sacramento.

If individual families could donate a portion of their garage sale proceeds to Heather House, she thought, the outcome would support homeless families. Moreover, it would provide a positive teaching tool for families to think of others and develop compassion and charity.

Her next move was to contact Dorothy Clausen, a 68-year-old who's been organizing the annual garage sale for 20 years and is known to some as the unofficial mayor of Cordelia.

'I believe in the Heather House because they really support families, make them work for their room and board, give them counseling, decent jobs and prepare them for the world,' she said.

On Saturday, participating households will donate some, if not all, of their proceeds to Heather House. Proceeds will be matched by First Bank, up to $3,000, added Connie Aaron, vice president/manager of the bank.

'It sounds like a worthwhile event and a great way for families to get involved,' Aaron said. 'And First Bank is dedicated to giving back to the community.'

Heather House will also hold a yard sale at Oakbrook Elementary School as well as offer breakfast to the public courtesy of Sodexho, a food service department for the school district. Donations will be accepted for breakfast.

Reach Andrea E. Garcia at 427-6953 or agarcia@dailyrepublic.net