Helping Out highlights some of the many charitable events and activities going on in the Charleston area. Submissions should be sent to dailyjournal@charlestonbusiness.com.

A nationally renowned expert on Oriental rugs who frequently appears on Antiques Roadshow will hold a special trunk show this month at the Aiken-Rhett House to benefit the Historic Charleston Foundation.

Peter Pap has been dealing in antique oriental rugs for more than 30 years and is recognized internationally by collectors and decorators as one of the nation’s foremost experts in antique oriental rugs, carpets and tribal weavings. He has been featured in Fortune Small Business, The Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, the San Francisco Chronicle, GQ, Elle Decor and House Beautiful. He is a frequent guest on the Martha Stewart Living radio talk show and is a regular appraiser on PBS Antiques Roadshow.

“There are six main things I look for when evaluating a rug,” said Pap, “color, design, rarity, craftsmanship, condition, and overall feel. While the weight of each varies with the type of rug being evaluated, each is important. I encourage you to carefully consider each of these when selecting the right rug for you.”

A preview to the sale will be from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 20, and the sale will be 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 22, and noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 23. Admission fees to the Aiken-Rhett House will be waived for this special event, and the preview party and trunk show are free and open to the public. Visitors may take an audio tour of the property for $10 per person.

The Aiken-Rhett House, a museum operated by the Historic Charleston Foundation, is the most intact town house complex showcasing urban life in antebellum Charleston. Built in 1818 and greatly expanded by Gov. and Mrs. William Aiken Jr. in the 1830s and 1850s, the house at 48 Elizabeth St. has survived virtually unaltered since 1858.

Call 843-723-1623 or visit the Historic Charleston Foundation online for more information. The foundation is a nonprofit educational organization that preserves and protects Charleston’s unique architectural and cultural resources.

=================================================

Dorchester Seniors is holding a craft fair and silent auction Nov. 22 to benefit Dorchester County senior centers and homebound programs.

The silent auction will start Nov. 17 and run through 2 p.m. Nov. 22. The event on Nov. 22 will feature handmade crafts by Lowcountry artisans, fresh-baked goods, concessions and a silent auction. A Nintendo Wii also will be given away.

Admission is free. The Faith Sellers Senior Center at 312 N. Laurel St. in Summerville will host the event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dorchester Seniors Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization providing services and programs for senior citizens. The volunteer board of directors operates two senior centers. Seniors ages 50 and older are eligible for membership. For more information, call the Faith Sellers Senior Center in Summerville at 843-871-5053 or the David Sojourner Senior Center in St. George at 843-563-3709.