A local club is getting dolled-up for an annual event that brings some of the most sought-after collectibles and treasures to the area.

The A-Z Doll Club of Washington will host its annual doll, bear and toy sale this weekend, showcasing a vast variety of collectible dolls and other items. The show will take place on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tar Heel Variety Theater in Chocowinity.

The show brings together people who view dolls as special pieces of history and those who collect dolls made by certain makers or according to different themes, according to club member Martha Seighman. And, of course, there are collectors who do so because of a passion instilled in them during childhood.

“We do it every year because we enjoy the dolls,” said Gloria Windley, an original member of the club. “Stamps and coins are the most collected things; dolls come in third, but dolls are heartwarming. Since the recession, collecting is not as popular as it used to be, but you can’t replace a doll in a person’s heart. It reminds you of your childhood. How many mothers have left their favorite doll to their daughter or granddaughter? They’re treasures and they each bear a story.”

Club treasurer Shirley Woolard said her collection ranges from about 400 to 500 dolls. Woolard got her start after her husband bought her a doll, she said.

“I have been collecting ever since (he bought me the doll),” Woolard said. “I really collect Shirley Temple dolls more than anything. It’s just great to get together, and we share our thoughts and everything on dolls. It’s a lot of fun.”

Over the years, the club formed by Ann Scott in 1980 has become the only doll club in the area, Windley said. The club is also a nonprofit organization and proceeds from the doll show are used annually to donate to area organizations like the Humane Society of Beaufort County, Brown Library, Ronald McDonald House, the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington and the Salvation Army, among others.

“Around Christmastime, we normally take a vote and members suggest different organizations to donate to,” Seighman said.

Not only will the club have an assortment of dolls, bears, Beanie Babies and other toys and collectibles, there will be doll appraisers onsite, as well as doll repairers. The show will include American Girl Doll accessories and antique, modern, collectible and reproduction dolls, as well as Barbie dolls, and many other items, according to club members. A Halloween costume contest drawing for children under 12 years old will also be held and food will be available during the event. Attendees also can enter a raffle to win collectible dolls.

The Tar Heel Variety Theater is located at 458 Carrow Road, Chocowinity. Admission is $5 per person. For more information, contact 252-943-2969 or email at martythesmarty16@yahoo.com.