A local family is being shown support through an online auction fundraiser, 'Help for the Helfricks'.

Local business owner Kathy Helfrick was recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, and her friend Stephanie Schmidt stepped up to help the Helfricks by doing what she loves to do, baking cupcakes and auctioning them off as a fundriaser.

"[Kathy] was diagnosed just about two weeks ago, so we're just hoping to get together and raise a few funds for the family and just help them with like gas money," explained Schmidt. "With her not being able to work and, and through these hard times, it has been quite incredible how many people have come through."

She said what started as a cupcake auction on Facebook has now turned into an auction of other items as well.

"Generally it's open for a couple of days and then people are able to pick up those auction items if they win them," she explained. "We are also accepting any e-transfers or any way people want to help out, raking their lawn, or meals."

Schmidt said the fundraiser will run for around four weeks in all.

"Because it's all on Facebook too and they can see it, I think sometimes it's nice for them just to go on or when they're having a bad day, even if people can't donate and they just send a message on the Facebook page like it's, it's just incredible to see the community rally in support of them," she commented.

"I didn't realize actually how long when they were in the community until I started putting this fundraiser together," she noted.

Ken and Kathy Helfrick, who own The Willow Branch (formerly Elite Kitchens and Decor), have two children, and Schmidt says the family is very involved in the community.

"A lot of the times they're very behind the scenes they don't necessarily like to be flashy about things, so they just would give anybody the shirt off their back. They're very great people and they really care about this community."

Schmidt said some have donated gas money, others have helped around their yard, and some are discussing meals to deliver to them for when needed.

"We haven't really got a meal thing together, but that is something we thought about just having to get her to rehab every day plus the kids to school," she explained.

"So far people have really been donating cash and then items for the auction and then hopefully not just help with whatever needs they may have."

The auction will be going until likely the end of next week. Find the link HERE.