As is the case each year that she’s been involved with the Bristol Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, Jennifer Oliveira Mancieri gets a lot of personal satisfaction being able to do things for others less fortunate.

Such was the case this past Saturday as she and fellow members of the BFD Ladies Auxiliary, along with other friends and associates, gathered at the VFW Hall on Hope Street for the distribution of toys, clothing, and the like, from the recent Christmas Community Aid Drive. It was a sight to behold.

“Saturday was amazing,” said Mancieri. “It’s our organization’s favorite day. The total of families helped yesterday was 103…much larger than the years prior. Some families let us know they couldn’t attend due to illness or work and those families gave us sizes and their child’s interest and we packaged everything up and delivered them. We had a great group of volunteers this year that made the entire experience go smoothly from set-up to distribution, volunteers from St. Gobain, St. Michael’s Church, community members who wanted to help, friends and family, and of course, the Fire Department.”

She added, “We are so extremely grateful for everyone’s help. If it wasn’t for the local businesses, multiple toy drive events, the Bristol Knights of Columbus donating nine cases of Jackets, The Bristol VFW for welcoming us in and giving us the perfect location to have our event, and donations from the Bristol/Warren community, Saturday would not have been possible. We are so extremely grateful for everyone coming together to make Christmas possible for so many families. We truly cannot thank you all enough.”

Jennifer closed by saying, “Lastly, I would like to thank my brothers and sisters of the Bristol Fire Department-RI. Today would not be possible without all of you. The Auxiliary members, Firefighters and EMS personnel step up year after year and make today happen. There is a ton of work and manpower that goes into making these events a success. You show up each time in packs and get the job done. I know how truly blessed I am to have each and every one of you in my life. I am extremely grateful for all the continued support over the years.”