Shortly before Christmas, a local family was forced to say good-bye to a beloved son, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. Aaron Darrel Powers, 18, passed away Dec. 14, 2012, following a vehicle accident with extended family members.

Powers is remembered by friends of the family as a doting uncle who liked to build BMX bicycles with his father, ride dirt bikes with his brothers, and go fishing, camping whenever possible.

While the Powers’ family struggles to deal with the sudden loss of the young man, the community surrounding them is banding together to help with funeral expenses by providing financial support through a benefit yard sale.

Mary Barco, a co-worker of Aaron’s mother at Turlock’s Holiday Inn, has spearheaded the community outreach for the family.

“We consider ourselves a family unit,” Barco said. “As that unit, we want to lend a helping hand to raise funds for them during this difficult time.”

Donations for the event are encouraged, and can either be used yard sale items, or new raffle items. As of now, the team has tables, chairs, picture frames, and basic household items for sale. The premise of the outreach sale is to lessen the financial and emotional impact of losing a family member. All funds raised will go directly to Aaron’s family.

The Hilmar Cheese Company has already donated a number of cheese baskets to be raffled off. Irene Silveira, a co-coordinator of the outreach yard sale, hopes that many local businesses will follow suit and support the families in Turlock and Delhi.

“I am hoping that we can receive enough donations to have a big enough yard sale to carry out both weekends. I hope that we have a big turnout and wish that people will participate with us,” said Silveira.  "I think it is good to know that the community is here for them, and that their work-family is here for them too. ”

The benefit yard sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and Feb. 2 and 3 at the Holiday Inn Express Parking Lot on the westside of the hotel building.

To donate yard sale items or raffle prizes, contact Mary Barco at 664-9999, or Irene Silveira at 668-3800.