Edwardsburg Fire Department has sponsored Santa coming to town for about 15 years, but this year added a free pancake breakfast Nov. 26 attended by approximately 500 people, including at least 350 kids.
Food and firemen arrived in a refurbished ambulance donated to the fire department that now carries its ice rescue equipment.
The event collected 501 food pantry items and $502 for the pantry.
Businesses and organizations contributing to the community event include CVS Pharmacy, Fireside, Gordon Foods, Greater Niles Credit Union, Red Star Auction, Boy Scouts, Edwardsburg Public Schools, Edwardsburg High School cheerleaders, Edwardsburg Museum, the EHS SADD organization, EHS Student Council, EHS National Honor Society and Uptown Improvement Association.
Edwardsburg Emergency Fund (food pantry) is rooted in the faith and values of Our Lady of the Lake, Edwardsburg Presbyterian and Hope United Methodist churches.
It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operated by approximately 50 volunteers that serves an average of 60 households per week in the Edwardsburg and Union areas.
Many households are multi-family dwellings.
Edwardsburg Emergency Fund assists with food, utilities, prescriptions and gasoline.
It is supported strictly by weekly donations from the three churches and the community.
Send financial donations to: Edwardsburg Emergency Fund, 24832 U.S. Highway 12, Edwardsburg, MI 49112.