By SHELBY ASHLINE
Recorder Staff
BERNARDSTON — As a thank-you to the community that supports them year-round, the Bernardston Kiwanis Club is holding its annual free pancake breakfast Saturday.
Club member Andrew Girard said the breakfast, which will be held at the United Church of Bernardston from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., is in its second year.
“We just wanted to give back to the community,” Girard said. “They do so much for us and come out for so many of our events.”
The event will feature free pancakes, sausage and coffee, and is also intended to celebrate the season with a visit from Santa from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and, weather permitting, horse-drawn carriage rides from 8 to 10 a.m.
“It’s meant to be a simple, relaxing morning where everyone comes out and feels the holiday spirit,” Girard said.
Girard estimated between 200 and 250 people attended last year, with many also donating a toy to the Bernardston Police and Firemen’s Association’s Toys for Tots campaign. The toy drive, which is not affiliated with the Kiwanis Club’s breakfast, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon.
Bernardston Police Sgt. Jason Bassett, a member of the Bernardston Police and Firemen’s Association, said Officer Christopher Savinsky proposed starting a toy collection in 2013, reaching out to Toys for Tots representative Tim McCrory, who is also a Bernardston resident.
“It’s a well established program and I think the Franklin County area needs assistance this time of year,” Bassett said of Toys for Tots. Plus, he added, “from a financial standpoint, more people can participate,” purchasing toys within their budget.
The association accepts toys for children up to age 17. Bassett said members will hand out free hot chocolate and coffee in the morning, as well as candy canes for anyone who donates a toy. Each donor will be entered into a raffle for a prize donated by Bernardston resident Bobby Campbell, known as local DJ “Bobby C” — DJ services for a birthday party for two hours on any Sunday in 2017.
Girard said residents are also welcome to bring non-perishable food donations to the breakfast, which will be given to the Franklin Area Survival Center.
Additionally, a police cruiser and fire truck will be parked at the church for children to see, Bassett said.
“It’s a way for us to get out there and get to know the community a little bit more and for them to get to know us,” Bassett said.
Bassett noted the association has been collecting toys for the past two weeks, and residents who can’t attend the collection Saturday can still drop off their toys by contacting the Bernardston Police Department at 413-648-9208.