FREDERICKTOWN — The Fredericktown community will host its annual Christmas Walk and Charity Auction on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This community event raises funds to help support Food for the Hungry, Fredericktown Interchurch and the Fredericktown Salvation Army.

The number of people needing assistance continues to increase. The charity auction provides funds to help meet the needs for food and other emergency services. Many who never thought they would find themselves in need are helped by donations to the auction, which will be held at 3 p.m. in the Fredericktown Senior Center located at 2 E. Sandusky St.

Quality donations are appreciated. Families, friends, neighbors, churches and organizations are encouraged to partner together to create baskets, service offerings and gift certificates to donate. Donations may be dropped off at the Senior Center from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday or at the village office.

Gently used toys, board games, sports equipment or any toys a child would love are needed for Santa’s workshop. Toys can be dropped off at the Chevrolet dealership, First-Knox National Bank, Aunt Ruth’s Attic and the library. The toy shop will take place at the Masonic Lodge. For more information call Joely Lepley at 507-3810.

New this year is a 50/50 scavenger hunt. Stop by the Presbyterian Church at the ornament table to buy a scavenger card; get it stamped at participating business and turn it in by 6 to be included in the drawing.

In addition to Santa’s Toy Shop and the scavenger hunt, activities include local crafters and vendors at the Presbyterian Church, hot food at several locations, ice sculptures, live musical groups, a poinsettia sale, and wagon rides around the lighted display at Sockman Park. WNZR will be there with Big Blue, and the Fredericktown Merchants Association is sponsoring special events.

Children can visit Visit Santa at the gazebo, residents can vote for their favorite gingerbread house at First-Knox National Bank, and youngsters of all ages can tour the historic Leve-Agriman mill. The official lighting of the Christmas tree will take place at 6:30 at the Gazebo.

The commemorative ornament this year is the FREDDIE Bird, designed and crafted by local artisans Jim and Scarlet Crane of Traditions Engraving. You can purchase ornaments the day of the event at Huff’s Jewelry or at the ornament table at the Presbyterian Church.

You can also order an ornament before the walk. They will be on display at Huff’s Fine Jewelry, Aunt Ruth’s Attic, First-Knox National Bank and the Brickhouse Grind.

For more information check out our Facebook page, Fredericktown Annual Christmas Walk and Auction, or follow us on instragram@fredericktownchristmaswalk.