Anybody want a used pickup that won't run?

Ken Pierson, manager of the Habitat Moore Store on N.C. 5, is certain there are more than a few in Moore County.

He has put one up for bid in the latest silent auction in Habitat's big barn-like shop between Aberdeen and Pinehurst. As always, money raised in the auction -- just like the sales of the donated items in the store's regular stock -- goes to buy land and construct the simple, affordable houses Habitat builds for its homeowners.

Habitat does not give those houses away. Homeowners put in hours of work, called "sweat" equity. They also spend time working with counselors to build creditworthiness.

The Moore Habitat chapter serves Moore and Richmond counties. Residents contribute everything from construction supplies to antique furniture, television sets, fine china, oil paintings and more.

From time to time, Pierson and his volunteer helpers sort through those donations to set aside certain things they think are suitable for the store's trademark auctions.

Bidders must register (personal information remains confidential) to get a number assigned to them. That way, bids remain anonymous.

Once bidders have their number, they can use it at this and any future auctions.

Once bidders find something they want, they must top the most previous bid. The last bidder to top previous offers by noon Tuesday will win whatever they've bid on.

"We don't issue a bidder number until they've read and understand the rules," Pierson said.

Bidders can raise any bid they make as often as they like. They can even telephone the store to check current amounts -- but not to make or change a bid. For that, they will have to come in and do that in person.

One special rule keeps bidders from "sitting" on a bid sheet: At closing time Tuesday (noon), any bidder present as the auction ends, may make a final bid by writing it on a piece of paper.

High bidder wins, but at least one bid has to be on the bid sheet for a bidder to take part in that final bidding.

The top bidder wins the item. Winners have 48 hours to pay. Unpaid bids go to the next highest bidder.

For motor vehicles, keys are turned over after the winner shows proof of registration.

Contact John Chappell at 783-5841 or by e-mail at jchappell@thepilot.com.