The Kickoff to Christmas Community Aid Drive is always a spectacular event at this time of year. Last Saturday night’s fourth annual edition at Jacky’s Galaxie was no exception.

Sponsored by the Bristol Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary Community Aid Fund, songs were performed by the Bristol Theatre Co. Holiday Singers, Santa (Michael J. Rielly) arrived on schedule, and hearts were warmed as the holiday season locally took on a special meaning, especially for those less fortunate.

‘What more can I say,” beamed event founder Jennifer Mancieri. “I can’t thank people enough for their generosity. This was an overwhelming success. We tripled the amount of donations that we received this year. It is unbelievable.”

At the end of the evening’s festivities, which included face painting, arts and crafts, a balloon artist, and a variety of songs from the 1960s and ’70s by entertainer Jon Tyler, an outdoor trailer filled to capacity with toys, clothing, non-perishable food items, etc., would be on its way to make the holiday season a little more enjoyable for those not as blessed as others.

Even the Town of Warren got involved, as its EMS collected toys for this event. Many Giving Trees were located in various areas throughout Bristol and Warren. And, of course, the Ladies Auxiliary received its customary assistance from members of the Bristol Fire Dept., Bristol Police Dept., Fire Police, as well as all the women in the Ladies Auxiliary themselves.

Even Chris Martin could be seen doing whatever he could to help out on this very special occasion.

“I enjoy doing something like this, even though I’m not a member of the fire department,” said Mr. Martin, who was busy packing boxes of toys and clothing in the outdoor trailer. “I’m happy to do this.”

Jennifer Mancieri was beside herself when the event finally came to a close. She praised the efforts of not only her fellow members of the Ladies Auxiliary, but everyone else who had a hand in making this year’s Community Aid Drive so successful.

“None of what we do could be possible without the help of our great community,” she stressed. “We all pull together to help those less fortunate during any time of need. That’s what makes us a strong community, a community in which I am proud to live. I am so grateful to all of you.”

“We had another successful turnout, with around 275 people attending the event,” said Ms. Mancieri. “We filled the trailer with new gently used clothes, toys, and non-perishable food items. We still have the event on Dec. 1 with Joyride coming up and looking forward to receiving those donations as well as those from the various amounts of giving trees. We plan on helping as many families as we can and look forward to seeing the joy they will receive. There is no better feeling than being able to help those in need, not just at Christmas, but all year round.”

Ms. Mancieri said If someone would still like to donate, they may reach out to her at 401-580-2386 before Dec 1.

She concluded, “Four years ago, when I had a vision to find ways to give back to the community, I never imagined it would grow as quickly as it has, nor did I think it would have such an impact. This town is incredible when it comes to helping others in a time of need.”