Russell County Jaycees Toys for Tots Auction, a time honored local holiday tradition, will once again encourage the spirit of giving and bring holiday cheer to community families.

This year participants may tune in to the auction Thanksgiving Day and Friday, November 26th from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on WJRS 104.9 Laker Country and Duo County's local access channel Duo2.

Auction items donated by local businesses and individuals will be on display during the program so that folks may see merchandise up for bid.

In 2009, the Russell County Jaycees raised $10,000 during the auction and bought gifts for 300 children in the area.

"We work with Family Resource Centers in Jamestown and Russell Springs," said David Chapman of the Russell County Jaycees. "We try to pick less fortunate families to help as many kids as we can."

He said Families in need of assistance may call 343-2056 or 866-7850 until December 10th to receive information on eligibility and how to apply to participate.

Each year, the Jaycees purchase Christmas gifts for local children spending $40 - $50 for each child.

"We do all our shopping in one night at Wal-Mart in Somerset," said Chapman. "They give us a 10 - 15 percent discount on our purchases and always donate a flat screen TV for the auction."

The gifts are then wrapped and given to families about a week before Christmas he said.

In addition to the gifts purchased, the Jaycees also receive gently used toys as donations.

These toys are also available for families to choose as gifts when they arrive to pick up their new wrapped gifts.

Russell County Jaycees continue to accept donations throughout the auction.

"Some people call in during the auction and don't want to buy anything but they make a monetary donation," said Chapman.

In addition to the auction, Mike Stamper at Lake Cumberland Dragway will hold a Toys for Tots Drag Race December 4th at noon to donate money from the proceeds to the Jaycees' event.

For racers, entry fees are $25 and spectators get in for $5 each.

Another local event in support of the auction is an Elvis tribute band, the Caleb Brown Band, performing at the Russell County High School Auditorium December 4th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

To attend the concert, concert goers are asked to contribute a toy or donation of their choice to Toys for Tots.

"The Russell County Jaycees want to thank everyone who has contributed to making Toys for Tots a success not only this year, but also the many years in the past," said Chapman. "We couldn't do this without the generous support of our community."

For additional information regarding Toys for Tots, call David Chapman at 270-585-3735.