FARMINGTON – Washing windows and decorating the empty store on Broadway on Friday, members of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce prepared the space for the gingerbread house contest. The public is welcome to view and vote on the entries today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the Chester Greenwood celebration.

A silent auction will also be held for the houses that are donated. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the chamber’s holiday baskets, Executive Director Lorna Nichols said.

The goal this year is to create at least 24 baskets, but she said she expects it will be more than that because of the need this year. The baskets are distributed to families throughout Franklin County.

“The best benefit from creating the baskets,” she said, “is the feeling you’re helping someone, and they appreciate it so much.”

The chamber is accepting nonperishable food items as well as monetary gifts. Donations may be left at the chamber office on the Wilton Road or in boxes at KFC in Farmington or CSM Real Estate in Kingfield.

A variety of items are added to the boxes, she said, including cereal, coffee, hats and mittens, dog bones and paper products. The chamber also purchases potatoes and other food items for the baskets. Last year, turkeys donated by local stores were also added.

Communities, town offices or neighbors who know families who need a basket this year are asked to phone Nichols at 778-4215 to leave their name, address and phone number by December 17.