BERNARDSTON — The holiday season kicks off this weekend in Bernardston, as the community’s annual toy drive joins the Kiwanis Club’s traditional holiday events.

Locals can bring new, unwrapped toys for kids ranging in age from newborn to teenage to the United Church of Bernardston’s parking lot, 58 Church St., on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to noon, where the Bernardston Police and Fire departments will be accepting donations.

Police Sgt. John Richardson said although some toys go to Toys for Tots for broader distribution, toy drive organizers work with local social service agencies such as DIAL/SELF Youth & Community Services and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin to ensure toys get into the hands of local children.

“We’re trying to keep it in Franklin and Hampshire counties so we’re helping the actual local residents here,” Richardson said.

While the toy drive is happening, the Bernardston Kiwanis Club’s free pancake breakfast will be held from 8 to 10:30 a.m. inside the church. Folks can enjoy pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee, while the kids will be treated to a visit from Santa at 10:30 a.m., who will hear their Christmas wishes. The breakfast is free, although cash donations will be accepted.

Kiwanis Club member Dan Devine said the breakfast and toy drive combining forces is a “neat” example of making a “good thing happen” for their community.

“It’s a good collaboration of us doing the food … and seeing the Police and Fire [departments] do such a good thing,” Devine said, encouraging people to “stop by, see Santa and bring the kids.”

He also thanked the United Church of Bernardston for always offering its space whenever the Kiwanis Club hosts an event like the pancake breakfast or its seasonal chicken pot pie dinners.

“The minute we ask, they’re like, ‘Of course,’” Devine said, also thanking Kiwanis Club President Mike Swain and Event Committee Chair Andrew Girard for helping put these events together.

Nearby, the Bernardston Recreation Department will host the Mistletoe Market Craft Fair at Bernardston Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 40 craftspeople and vendors will be in attendance. Attendees will receive a raffle ticket when donating a toy to the toy drive.

On the following day, Sunday, Dec. 3, the Kiwanis Club will close out the weekend with its annual tree lighting at Cushman Park.

The public is invited to the Fire Station, 18 Church St., at 6 p.m. to meet Santa and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and holiday music before the party moves across the street to the park to light the tree.

The event, like the pancake breakfast, is free and open to the public. Devine said he and his fellow Kiwanis Club members enjoy bringing people together for a community event, especially in a tight-knit town.

“We enjoy doing this stuff for the town. … It gives people something to do,” Devine said. “Santa will get the kids all charged up. … I think they really enjoy it.”

He again thanked the Bernardston Police and Fire departments, as well as the tree warden, for their help in facilitating this event.

“We get a lot of help,” Devine said. “Every event we do, we usually get some help from someone.”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081. Freelancer Liesel Nygard contributed to this article.