An apparatus for sterilizing articles comprises a body extending between first and second ends having a bottom surface and defining an interior cavity into the bottom surface thereof and an ultraviolet light source located in the interior cavity. The apparatus further includes a power source operably connected to the ultraviolet light source and at least one proximity sensor disposed along the bottom surface adapted to sense proximity of the bottom surface to an object, wherein the at least one proximity sensor is adapted to permit ultraviolet light source to be illuminated only when the bottom surface is proximate to the object.