By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Bridges of Faith International in Billingsley is gearing up for its latest fundraiser for helping orphans in Ukraine find forever homes.

“We bring Ukrainian orphans here to the U.S., and we give them a great experience here, whether it is here at a camp or in private homes. Then, most of these kids do find forever families,” Tom Benz with Bridges of Faith said.

Donations are being collected for items for a silent auction. Benz said anyone interested in donating an item contact Nancy Hendrix at (205) 586-1281 or nancy@bridgesoffaith.com.

He said donations could be dropped off or they would arrange to come pick them up.

The organization will hold a silent auction and car show on Dec. 1 at BridgeStone Prayer and Retreat Center, 302 County Road 383 in Billingsley. The car show will begin at 9 a.m., and the silent auction will be from 10 a.m. to noon.

“The silent auction is going to be really fun,” Benz said. “There will be some really great items there.”

Some of the items will include an antique Pepsi machine, a flight in a private airplane over Montgomery, a handcrafted Timberline guitar, collectible dolls and a 10-ounce silver coin from Australia. Benz said there will also be a flea market style area with furniture and home items for sale.

Those interested in entering a car in the car show can also call Hendrix. Benz said the opportunity was open to antique cars, trucks and motorcycles.

It is $20 to enter, and prizes will be given.

“There will be an opportunity just to show the cars and compete, so we are really excited,” Benz said.

This is the first year that the organization has held a car show. Benz said organizers really wanted to have something for everyone.

Attending the car show is free. Refreshments will be available for purchase. There will also be activities for children.

“I think it’s just going to be a really fun day,” Benz said.

Bridges of Faith International has been bringing orphans from Ukraine to Alabama for eight year. In that time, at least 124 of those children have been adopted. Benz said adoption is crucial because once a child graduates high school they cannot stay in the orphanage. Those who are turned out of the orphanage often fall into crime, drug abuse, human trafficking and sometimes even suicide.

“When we bring these kids over looking for forever homes, we believe we are running a pre-emptive rescue program,” Benz said.