With the advent of holiday festivities each year, new and creative ideas must be formulated to defray the cost of bringing the community Christmas tree to Ocean Beach and to rekindle the latest installment of the community’s food and toy drive for the less fortunate. To that end, the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA) will host its annual Ocean Beach Christmas Tree and Toy Drive Auction at the Sunshine Co. Saloon on Thursday, Dec. 3. “This is the major fundraiser that we do each year,” said OBMA spokeswoman Claudia Jack. While the proceeds raised vary from year to year, Jack said the fundraising is crucial to the success of the event. “It’s hard to say how much might be brought in … but I can say that this event is very important in having these events take place,” Jack said. Auction items include everything from mountain bikes to gift baskets, according to Jack. “The community donates everything from shops to individuals, so we get a real nice array of unique items,” Jack said. “It’s a wonderful way for Ocean Beach to come together.” Clothing items will be modeled by employees of Temptress salon, while the auction itself will be done by Citybeat magazine’s Ed Decker and Adrian Ortiz. “For a lot of people, this is one of the highlights of the year,” Jack said. “It’s a lot of fun and the night goes by really fast.” Anyone wishing to donate items to the auction is urged to call (619) 846-6269. The Ocean Beach Christmas Tree and Toy Drive Auction takes place at the Sunshine Co. Saloon, 5028 Newport Ave., beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is for those 21 and up. For more information, visit www.oceanbeachsandiego.com.