Bristol's ‘Kickoff to Christmas’ promises toys, food and fun

Saturday night event features food and music, while attracting donations for those in need

By Manuel C. "Manny" Correira
Posted 11/23/17

Saturday night event features food and music, while attracting donations for those in need

BY MANUEL C. “MANNY” CORREIRA

mannycorreira@aol.com

Everybody knows Santa Claus will be …

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Bristol's ‘Kickoff to Christmas’ promises toys, food and fun

Saturday night event features food and music, while attracting donations for those in need

Posted

Everybody knows Santa Claus will be coming to town in another month, but for many, early gifts will be bestowed upon those less fortunate a little earlier on Saturday, Nov. 25, when the third annual “Kickoff to Christmas” Community Aid Drive event takes place at Jacky’s Galaxie on Metacom Avenue. It should be a fun night for everyone, young and old. 

Sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department, the event is from 5 to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited.

Bristol’s very own Santa (Michael J. Rielly) enjoys his role as jolly old St. Nick at this special event.

“I am very excited to be part of and to help support the annual Kickoff to Christmas fund-raiser again this year,” he said. “This annual event benefits the children and families in our community and is in line with our mission at the James D. Rielly Foundation. We provide charitable support to the children and families of military personnel and first responders as well as other charitable organizations like the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bristol Fire Department.”

In a nutshell

  • Kickoff to Christmas
  • Saturday, Nov. 25; 5-8 p.m.
  • Jacky’s Galaxie, Metacom Avenue
  • Donations of food, toys and clothing, face-painting, balloon artists, arts and crafts, the Falcoa Brothers, Christmas carols, and a pastry buffet

Event founder Jennifer Mancieri is as excited as anyone at the prospect of another successful event.

“We’re hoping for another great turnout,” she said. “Santa will be making a grand entrance. There will be face painting, balloon artists, arts and crafts, a performance from our hometown sensations, Tyler and Ryan Falcoa, and a pastry buffet. Also, the Bristol Theater Company will be singing Christmas carols. Everyone is looking forward to hearing their beautiful voices. We are lucky to have them perform a second year for us. They are a great group of talented children and adults.”

Ms. Mancieri added: “We will be collecting new unwrapped toys, gift cards, new or gently used winter apparel and non-perishable food items, and monetary donations. This year, we have reached out to the social workers in the Bristol Warren elementary schools, as well as Ed Carusi, director of social services and public welfare for the town of Bristol, to ensure that all our children will have a gift this Christmas.”

According to Ms. Mancieri, this is a free family event that will go a long way to helping others.

“We look forward to working together every year as a department to make this event special and help those less fortunate in our community,” she said. “There is nothing more rewarding than to help others. ‘Tis the season of giving. Last year, we were able to collect 400 toys and 380 pounds of food. We hope to beat last year’s numbers and look forward to coming together as a community to do so.”

Community Aid committee members running the event include Ms. Mancieri, Melanie Wolfe and Rena Thurston.

Since its inception, the Kickoff to Community Aid Drive has done much in making Christmas a little more enjoyable for those less fortunate in the community.

“If you are unable to make the event,” Ms. Mancieri said, “there will be firefighters in gear outside for quick drop-off. You can also contact bristolfirerelief@gmail.com or call 401/580-2386, to schedule a pick-up.” 

“Over the past few years, the Bristol Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary has become more of an active presence in our community,” said its president, Melanie Wolfe. “Our mission is not only to provide a liaison to the fire department, but support families in need during stressful events in their lives whether it is a fire or some other life-changing event.”

“Our major fund-raiser at Thanksgiving is all about giving back to the Bristol community — helping families provide a special Christmas for their children. By collecting new, unwrapped toys, as well as new and gently used winter clothing, we can distribute those items to individuals and families that need it the most. A special thanks goes to Jennifer Mancieri, our vice president, who had this idea three years ago and turned it in to a must-attend event each year. Our Ladies Auxiliary is comprised of a great group of volunteers that give their time year-round. I am proud to be part of such an organization.”

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