Come about 6 p.m. tomorrow, just as we push back from our dinner tables, our thoughts likely will turn to the next big thing: what to get that special someone for the December holidays.

A little-known charity in Cranberry has a suggestion that doesn't require a trip to the mall on Black Friday. It is a one-of-a-kind gift that holds the promise of fame, promotes a good cause, doesn't require wrapping and, perhaps best of all, is tax-deductible.

Cranberry Township Community Chest is staging a national auction for the naming rights to a main thoroughfare in one of the township's poshest neighborhoods. The 10-day auction on eBay will begin at 6 p.m. tomorrow.

"Unique," was how eBay pop culture expert Karen Bard described the pending auction. She said the online site has seen more than its share of unusual items for sale in the past decade -- everything from a Ferris wheel to a cornflake in the shape of Illinois -- but she's never heard of a legacy street.

"It sounds like something that could really benefit their community," she said.

Bruce Mazzoni certainly hopes so. As president of CTCC, he said the tough economy makes it harder to raise charitable dollars, even as the need for charity is on the rise. The nonprofit organization works to raise volunteers, money and awareness for the township's network of nonprofit and civic groups.

The inspiration for this novel fundraiser struck Mr. Mazzoni, who also is a township supervisor, when he heard that Cranberry's pending $250 million Park Place development was in the midst of picking street names.

"I remembered an eBay auction recently in which a bride auctioned the rights to be a bridesmaid. It helped pay the costs of the wedding reception," Mr. Mazzoni said. "All of a sudden, I was thinking we could auction the rights to name a street in Park Place."

Creative Real Estate Development Co. in Cranberry, led by prolific developer Don Rodgers, was instantly amenable to the idea.

"We know the importance of maintaining a healthy community and we value the mission of CTCC. Anything we can do to help CTCC and other local nonprofit and civic organizations ultimately benefits our developments," said Eric Lamm, the company's executive vice president.

Ultimately, the naming rights to three public streets in the 800-unit Park Place will be auctioned on eBay, but the first -- currently called Street A -- will be the biggest and most heavily traveled. At about a half-mile in length, the road will be one of the main access drives through Park Place and will lead directly to an entrance at the Dick's Sporting Goods Sportsplex at Graham Park, a major municipal park under construction that is set to open in the spring.

Though there is no minimum or reserve price for Street A, the "buy it now" price -- the dollar figure at which the auction will be ended -- is $250,000.

Streets B and C will be 948 feet and 709 feet.

The name picked by the successful bidder will be the street's legal name, but some restrictions apply. Offensive names or ones already in use won't be approved.

"We'll do our best to make sure the bidder gets what he wants or a good second choice," said Mr. Mazzoni.

It's not the first time naming rights have been sold to raise money in Cranberry. Dick's Sporting Goods paid $2.2 million for the 10-year naming rights to the group of playing fields within the $10 million Graham Park.

Proceeds from the eBay auction will be used for several ongoing efforts. Mr. Mazzoni hopes the auction also will raise the profile of the agency itself and focus attention on its mission.

Construction has begun on the first of seven phases at Park Place. Street name signs will be erected next year.