You can celebrate the holidays, help the needy and get a chance to win $100 in Mainstreet Bucks tonight at Covington News Night downtown on the square.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., you can enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies, get a free reusable shopping bag and have a free holiday photo made at our site on the square, 1107 Washington St., the old Teachers Tool Box location beside Lee’s Fashion and across from Scoop’s.

At 6:30 p.m., Newton County Schools Superintendent Gary Matthews will read his favorite Christmas story, "Cajun Night Before Christmas," at Southern Heartland Art Gallery, 1132 Monticello St. S.W.

The winner of a scavenger hunt can earn $100 in Mainstreet Bucks. Stop by the 1107 Washington St. site for details.

You could also win $100 in Mainstreet Bucks by wrapping a new toy to be donated to the Salvation Army in paper from The Covington News. The prize will be awarded for the most creatively wrapped toy.

Donations also will be accepted of canned food.

Start a new subscription, and The Covington News will donate $2 to the Arts Association.