STRONG — A benefit wingding for Clifford Haggan will be held Saturday, March 14, at Strong Elementary School.

Haggan grew up in Strong and retired as a machinist from International Paper Company. He has been a rock for his family and his community, and now they want to do something to support him in his time of need.

He has faced personal challenges in the past three years that could make others give up in despair. Three years ago, he lost his son Carlton in an automobile accident, but he was there for two grandsons, Damon and Gavin. The next year, Damon was diagnosed with mesothelioma, but Clifford and Rachel have been calm and strong.

Last fall, Clifford learned he has a very serious form of brain cancer that has required aggressive treatment. He has faced this with his traditional optimism.

He traveled to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Massachusetts and to the Harold Alfond Center in Augusta. Costs have taken a tremendous toll on the family’s budget. Many friends and relatives have helped with transportation and other needs. He now has great difficulty navigating stairs from his basement entryway to living quarters above, so the goal is to raise $7,000 to install a small elevator.

On March 14, his family, friends and neighbors will host a home-cooked turkey dinner, with all the fixings and desserts, starting at 5 p.m.

Cost for adults is $10; children under 12, $6.

Doug and Sherry Walrath will provide entertainment.

The auction will be filled with dozens and dozens of fantastic items, including a $700 Old Town canoe, 14 yards of loam from Vinings, a K45 Elite Keurig coffee maker, food, oil changes, a new cordless 20-volt grease gun with two batteries, case and charger, a 2800-psi pressure washer, a 50-inch LED TV and dozens of gift certificates. There will be both a silent and live auction.

Check Facebook page “Benefit Wingding for Clifford Haggan” to view all those items. For those who want to donate to the fund, send a check to Benefit Fund for Clifford Haggan, c/o Strong Methodist Church, P. O. Box 33, Strong ME 04983.