Don’t be alarmed if you see moving Christmas lights downtown Thursday night.

The sixth annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence and Ballard Community Services. The more than 1-mile jaunt throughout downtown Lawrence is a festive affair.

“Wear lights, a Santa hat, or dress up as Scrooge if you want,” said Don “Red Dog” Gardner, who organizes the annual event with his wife, Beverly Gardner.

It begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday behind Kizer-Cummings Jewelers, 833 Mass.

It’s free to participate, but donations will be split between the two agencies unless the donor makes a special request.

Organizers will also accept blankets, towels, washcloths and pillows to donate to the Lawrence Humane Society.

Last year, about 100 people participated. It’s also become a Lawrence tradition for families and employees of downtown businesses to watch the runners and walkers zip by in their festive costumes, Gardner said.

Laura Dahnert started the event six years ago. The Gardners, who organize the Red Dog’s Dog Days workouts, now also organize the Jingle Bell Run.

Hot cider and cookies will be served at Kizer-Cummings after the race before some participants visit The Eldridge, 701 Mass., to continue their festivities. The jewelry store will also offer a prize for the best costume.

Gardner said the event allows him to promote his two favorite causes. The first is physical fitness. The donations to the two groups support the other.

“They both help kids,” he said.