PORTSMOUTH — Summer means the Southern Ohio Museum is gearing up for its annual benefit auction to take place on Sunday at 1 p.m. with preview time beginning at 12 p.m.

Allen’s Auctions will again donate their services for this important fundraiser for the museum.

This project, along with the Museum’s Bizarre Bazaar and membership drive, serves as its major fundraising effort to provide much-needed support for arts and educational programming for the community throughout the year.

Several different kinds of articles have already been donated for the fundraiser, including exercise equipment, cameras, books, knick-knacks, furniture (inside and out), artwork, baskets, antiques, toys and many other things.

Many more types of items are welcome such as glassware; jewelry; rugs; movies and historical memorabilia, political items, interesting boxes, tins and other containers; electronic equipment; artwork of all kinds; musical instruments and sheet music; games; quilts; needlework; clocks and many other types of objects except clothing. In addition to individuals donating, local merchants, businesses and antique dealers contribute generously to the auction each year. We hope as residents tackle seasonal cleaning of drawers, closets, cupboards and other storage areas they will continue to bring items.

The museum will continue to accept donations until the auction begins.

Contributions may be brought to the museum, 825 Gallia St., Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m until the day of the auction or arrangements for pickups may be made by contacting the museum staff at 354-5629.

Every donation is vital to the success of this fundraiser and just one good item from hundreds of contributors can make a great auction, and the whole community will reap the benefits in the form of educational and entertaining exhibitions and activities for children and adults.

Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by federal law. Detailed provisions may be found in appropriate Internal Revenue Service publications. For more information, please call the Museum at 354-5629.