Berlin Fire & Rescue

Old St. Nick and a small volunteer crew of local elves will be making spirits bright this Saturday at Berlin, where the town’s volunteer fire department will host its annual Christmas Pancake Breakfast with Santa.

Staged by the fire department, the yearly fundraiser fields donations in exchange for an on-site pancake breakfast, rounded out with sausage or bacon, at the Berlin Community Center. Dine-in guests get a drink with their meals as well, while a drive-thru service will hand out boxed breakfasts for diners who take their food to go.

Proceeds from the breakfast always go to purchase Christmas gifts for kids in need who reside within the department’s service area. The town donates funds for the food, while department members and their families staff the event and follow up with a little local Christmas shopping to supply the presents that’ll find their way to the children.

In addition to the food and fellowship, Santa himself will be on hand for photos with kids who attend, alongside a “Letters to Santa” box (and letter-writing materials nearby) so kids can be sure the jolly old elf knows what’s on their Christmas list (and whether, of course, they’ve been good or bad) this year.

There’s no set price for the pancake plates, with each donor invited to contribute any amount — big or small — that they’re able. The breakfast runs from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Berlin Community Center (located at 3309 U.S. Hwy 278 in Berlin) on Saturday, Dec. 9. For additional information, contact the town at 256-736-3138.