Brayden Bashaw, 16, of Auburn raises funds Thursday for the Make-A-Wish Foundation by selling handmade Christmas ornaments at Gritty McDuff’s in Auburn. The Edward Little High School sophomore has raised over $39,000 during his six prior Ornaments for Hope for nonprofit organizations. Over 50 local companies donated items for a silent auction to help Bashaw’s cause. He said he picked Make-A-Wish after getting a peak at the behind-the-scenes operation of the nonprofit that fulfills wishes of children who have a critical illness. “What they do for people is pretty incredible,” Bashaw said. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Brayden Bashaw said he and his grandmother, Doris Comeau, have made about 3,500 ornaments since he started his Ornaments for Hope fundraiser seven years ago. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Leah Thibodeau, right, and her mother, Shannon Thibodeau, of Auburn buy ornaments Thursday during Brayden Bashaw’s Ornaments for Hope fundraiser in Auburn. Thibodeau and Bashaw are classmates at Edward Little High School. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Beryle Martin and her husband, Eric Cobb, of New Gloucester arrive Thursday at Brayden Bashaw’s Ornaments for Hope fundraiser at Gritty McDuff’s in Auburn. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Brayden Bashaw hugs a person Thursday at his Ornaments of Hope fundraiser at Gritty McDuff’s in Auburn. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal