Bristol's ‘Kickoff to Christmas’ supports families in need

The popular celebration to start the annual community aid drive is scheduled for Nov. 26

Posted 11/17/16

An evening of music, art, Christmas treats and, of course, Santa Claus, benefits families in need and kicks off the annual community aid drive.

The Bristol Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary …

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Bristol's ‘Kickoff to Christmas’ supports families in need

The popular celebration to start the annual community aid drive is scheduled for Nov. 26

Posted

An evening of music, art, Christmas treats and, of course, Santa Claus, benefits families in need and kicks off the annual community aid drive.

The Bristol Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary Community Aid Committee is scheduled to hold its second Kickoff to Christmas Community Aid Drive on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 5 to 9:30 p.m., at Jacky’s Galaxie on Metacom Avenue. The event will benefit families in need for Christmas through the East Bay Food Pantry. 

The Food Pantry is gearing up for its busiest time of year after having helped 400 families last Christmas, according to Jennifer Mancieri, founder of this event and vice president of the ladies auxiliary. 

“It was such a great success last year,” she said. “We’re hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.”      

Food Pantry Executive Director Nicki Ann Tyska said the community is always supportive of the community aid drive, which helps make it a special event.

“The support has been such a blessing to our Christmas for Kids program,” she said. “It is so touching to see so many come out to support the East Bay Food Pantry. Last year’s event was a huge success and we can’t wait to see what this year’s event brings.”

Admission to this year’s event is free with a donation of non-perishable food items, new or gently used winter apparel, or new, unwrapped toys for children ages newborn to 12, Ms. Mancieri said.

“We will also have representatives from the food pantry, as well as ladies auxiliary collecting monetary donations,” she added.

Last year’s inaugural Kickoff to Christmas Community Drive was held at Judge Roy Bean’s, and the place was filled to capacity.

“We have worked very hard to make this year’s event even bigger and better than last year’s,” said Ms. Mancieri. “With a bigger venue, it allows us to be able to provide more entrainment for the children. This year, we have a balloon artist, face painting, arts and crafts, and Santa (Michael Rielly) from 5-6:30 p.m. The Bristol Theater Company will be performing Christmas Carols, and Santa will make a special arrival at 5 p.m. The kids won't want to miss it.”   

Local hometown favorites Tyler and Ryan Falcoa will perform from 6:30 to 8 p.m., followed by the group Gravity, who will play from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

“Like last year, there will be sweet treats that everyone can enjoy,” said Ms. Mancieri. “This is a great fun-filled family event, and a great way to give back to the community during the holiday season. My son really enjoyed going to the store and picking out a toy for a child. It was a great lesson in giving. Last year, we filled a box truck, and this year, I am looking to do that again, maybe even more than one truck.”

As Ms. Mancieri indicated, this is more than a one person operation.

“The whole department is working together on this event to make it possible,” she explained. “Fire and police will be making sure that traffic and parking goes smoothly, and fireman will be outside dressed in gear to receive donations. So, if you can't make the event but would like to donate, you will just pull in and someone will be taking the donation from you and you won't have to exit your car. We are working extremely hard to make this event run smoothly and be as successful as last year.”

Ms. Mancieri said fellow committee members Melanie Wolfe and Rena Thurston have been invaluable in helping make the Kickoff to Christmas event a total success.

“Hopefully, everyone will come out in support of this great event,” she said. “This will go a long way in making Christmas a little more enjoyable for those less fortunate in our community.”

Christmas 20166, Bristol Kickoff to Christmas

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A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.