For quite some time, Krista Cross has wanted to find a way to help others.

Earlier this year, she found four people who agreed to join the effort, and now they are planning Wing’s first Community Donation Festival, set for Sept. 17.

“We just sort of talked to different people in the community to find somebody who might need a little extra help,” Cross said.

As a result, proceeds of the festival will assist Haley Jordan with her college expenses this year.

“She got accepted to a four-year school, but she was about $7,400 short for this year,” Cross said.

The board hopes to find a different individual who needs a leg up each year.

“Next year, we’ll do this for someone else,” she said, adding that the recipient could be single mom, an elderly couple or a cancer patient. “We are really fortunate, first of all, to live in such a great community.

“I’m from everywhere. I never really had what I would call a hometown,” she said. “ I just love this area, and love the people. This is a close-knit community. There are issues, and some people here fall through the cracks a little.

“I hope we can raise awareness; have a good time, and fellowship as a community.”

The Community Donation Festival is planned for the Wing Fire Department. Cross said admission is free. There will be live entertainment, raffles, a chili cookoff and a pie contest.

Board members are trying to keep the event affordable for families, so most things will cost $1.

There will be a $5 fee for entering the pie or chili contest, she said. Those who want to sample chili and vote for a winner can purchase a taste for 25 cents and a bowl for $1.

“We just want people to come out and have fun,” she said. “Every single dime we raise will go to her college fund.”

The event will begin at 11 a.m.

Anyone interested in participating or volunteering can contact Cross at 251.867.4604 or by email at communitydonationfestival@gmail.com.

Other board members include Casey Hooker, Wesley Cross, Tammy Steele and Kam Steele.