Bristol’s annual Kickoff to Christmas Community Aid Drive came as advertised … a chilly late November evening, highlighted by the much-anticipate arrival of Santa with wide-eyed youngsters waiting for their chance to greet the big fella. But that was just the start.

Led by members of the Bristol Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary and their ever-present organizer Jennifer Oliveira Mancieri, this year’s event was another huge success.

“I think it’s safe to say the kids had a magical time,” said Ms. Mancieri, who, along with her committee, always goes out of her way to make this event the success that it is every year. “The smiles, laughter and excitement from the children made all the months of planning worth it.”

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Bristol Fire Dept. deserves a great deal of credit for making this event so special.

‘We look forward to this event each year to bring the community together to be sure no child in Bristol/Warren goes without a gift this Christmas,” she added. “The night is always filled with love for our community members in need.”

Ms. Mancieri said she has always received great support from a number of people in the community in making this event so appealing.

“We would like to thank all those who participated to make this event spectacular, including Jacky’s Galaxie, Jon Tyler, Mike Rielly, Hill House Graphics, RPC, balloon artists Cell and Jerry, Debbie our face painter, the Ayres family for donating our crafts, and the Bristol Fire Police for keeping our families safe,” she added.

Ms. Mancieri also acknowledged the Bristol Theater Company for their talents in keeping everyone in a festive holiday spirit, as well as the Bristol Police Dept. for their continued support.

“I also want to thank Superior Comfort, who is donating a free gas furnace to a family in need,” she said, “along with the kids who volunteer their time to help with the event, and of course, our brothers and sisters of the Fire Department, including Jimmy Vieira for working endless hours on Engine 10 and Joe DaRosa for helping with the final touches. They were able to bring back that beautiful truck back to life after many years. Santa definitely arrived in style.”

As Ms. Mancieri indicated, there is still time for people to make a donation.

“We will continue to collect donations until Dec. 12,” she said. “Drop-off locations will be the Bristol Police Dept., who have a donation box in their foyer and are open 24/7, and also Superior Comfort, who also has a donation box in their foyer as well, and are open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

Donations being accepted include new unwrapped toys, gift cards, new PJ sets in all sizes, and hat and glove sets.

“As I’ve said repeatedly, we can’t that everyone enough for all their continued support,” Ms. Mancieri noted. “I know how much the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bristol Fire Dept. appreciate what everyone has done in the past and continues to do in making the holiday season enjoyable for everyone.”