The Rockaholics will spread some holiday cheer this weekend with a pair of shows to benefit needy families. The Goodwill Weekend Concert Series will include gigs at the Prime Time Sports Grill in Seabrook on Sunday, Dec. 19, and the Blue Mermaid in Portsmouth on Saturday, Dec. 20.

Guests at both shows are asked to bring donations of kids’ toys and clothing, which will be collected at the doors and distributed to families through local chapters of The Salvation Army. There is a $5 cover charge at the Blue Mermaid show.

Rockaholics front man Bill Foley said he organized the shows to help brighten the holiday season with some good old fashioned rock ’n’ roll. In these tough economic times, he said, there is more need than ever for charitable donations. “It’s just something I do a lot around the holidays when I have gigs lined up,” Foley said. “Every once in a while I decide to do something for someone other than me.”

Formed more than 25 years ago in Andover, Mass., The Rockaholics is a party rock band that plays a blend of original songs and unique covers from the 1950s through the ’80s. According to Foley, the band strives to play obscure cover tunes by artists like Lou Reed, David Bowie and Paul McCartney. Although The Rockaholics have been gigging around Boston for years, this will be the band’s first show in Portsmouth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast is sponsoring the shows, which will also feature a raffle for a free children’s treasure hunt provided by Ultimate Treasure Hunts of Exeter. Both shows begin at 9 p.m. The Prime Time Sports Grill is at 620 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 603-760-7231; the Blue Mermaid is at 409 The Hill, Portsmouth, 603-760-7231.