The holiday season has officially arrived, and those in the mood for giving won’t be blamed if they do a little getting at the Toys for Tots auction Thursday evening because all money spent during the event benefits the Marine Corps charity.

The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres at the Palladium at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds. The silent and live auctions will begin at 7 p.m., and a long list of items will be up for bids. A cash bar will be available too.

Click here to visit the Toys for Tots Facebook page.

Guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots or $5.

Bill Fortenberry, Floyd Medical Center public relations specialist, said the hospital has been playing a bigger role with Toys for Tots this year. He said donations have been coming in and can still be accepted, and one area of need in particular is toys for children 10 years old and older.

“It’s not too late to make a donation. Collection boxes are still placed throughout the community including at Floyd Medical Center and Floyd Corporate Support Center,” said Fortenberry.

While the list is expected to grow, some of the items to be auctioned Thursday include a round of golf at several country clubs in Rome, gift certificates to area restaurants, three-month memberships to area gyms, an electric grill, jewelry, furniture and more.

“A lot of meals will be given away, along with a week at a beach condo and long weekend condo trip in Panama City Beach, Fla.,” said Ken Futch, auction coordinator.

Donations also can be dropped off at Futch’s office at Jason Free Realty, 1903 Turner McCall Blvd. Futch said boxes also are set up at “all the banks,” Golf for Less, High Tech Signs, Mount Berry Square mall and Kmart on Hicks Drive.

The Palladium is located at 69 Church St. in Rome. Call 706-290-3637 for more information.