Selma resident Liz Smiley’s efforts to help the less fortunate have earned her a prize she said is sure to make her Independence Day more enjoyable.

Historic Estates, Landmarks and Properties Inc., a nonprofit organization that does house repairs for low-income, elderly and disabled individuals, deemed Smiley the winner of its fundraising raffle.

HELP Inc. president and founder Rae Roth awarded Smiley with the gift basket Saturday.

“What I do with raffles is I believe in contributing, but I never expect to receive anything from it. I really don’t,” Derry said with a laugh. “I was overwhelmed with winning it.”

The gift basket included Independence Day-themed tablecloths and decorations, utensils, a $20 Walmart gift card and more.

Conducted June 7, the raffle was designed to assist HELP Inc. in attracting donors for their fundraiser. HELP Inc. is accepting donations, which they plan to use to fund operational costs for the group.

“We try to make it known that we are here to help, and we do what we can with $500 per household,” Roth said.

HELP Inc. has replaced damaged doors, patched roofs, constructed wheelchair ramps, supplied fans and more for customers.

If the company reaches its goal of at raises at least $2,500 by October 31, an anonymous company will submit a matching donation.

Roth said they are hoping to meet their goal far before the deadline, because they desperately need the money.

As of Tuesday afternoon, HELP Inc. has received approximately $250 in donations, Roth said.

“There is such a great need,” Roth said. “We get so many calls about people needing help.”

As someone who rarely participates in raffles, Smiley said it felt good to enter one that made a positive difference in her community.

“I believe in helping people, and I feel this is a very worthy cause,” Smiley said. “I don’t take the raffle serious, but I always take the organization and the cause serious.”

Visit www.gofundme.com to donate. For more information, visit www.helpinc.webs.com, or call 874-8550.