The Lions’ Breakfast with Santa (BWS) has been a tradition for over 25 years, since the nonprofit group took over the event from parent volunteers at the Placentino-Miller school, says Holliston Lion Vinnie Alwani, this year’s BWS chair. This year, the breakfast will take place from 8-11:30 a.m. on December 7th. All net proceeds raised at the event are given back to the Holliston Music and Arts Parents Association (HMAP), the Holliston Pantry Shelf, and other local charitable needs. The breakfast is $12 for those ages 12+, $8 ages 2-11 and free for kids under 2.

After breakfast, families can take photos with Santa. Typical photo pricing is $5, but if you bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots or you bring an item to donate to the Holliston Pantry Shelf, the cost is $4.

Local dance troupes and some of the young people in our community with the assistance of the Holliston Music & Arts Parents Association (HMAPA) will be performing throughout the event. 

Overhead costs for Breakfast with Santa are kept low thanks to generous sponsors, including Garelick Farms for the drinks, Holliston Superette for the food, and Fiske’s General store for the raffle prizes for this event. 

Alwani explains that the Holliston Lions, led this year by its Club President Jocelyn Gaboriault, is comprised of people in the community with a common desire to provide service and support to those around us. In addition to BWS the Holliston Lions are proud to host other events that benefit and / or raise funds for charitable causes including the Holliston Carnival, High School Scholarships, Downtown Lights, Highway Cleanup, Big Raffle, Senior Lunches, Lend a Lion, and many more. In fact, Holliston Lion Jim Foster is heading up its Coats for Kids drive, collecting gently used (no rips, stains or tears) winter coats for men, women and children. Following are drop-off dates, times and locations:

• Wednesday November 5 from 6:45 – 8 p.m. – Cole Court Common Room (Board Meeting)

• Tuesday November 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Upper Town Hall (Veterans Day Luncheon)

• Saturday November 15 from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. – Casey’s Pub (Meat Raffle)

• Wednesday November 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Restaurant 45 (Medway – Monthly Dinner Meeting)

• Sunday November 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – The Center (Senior/Veterans Luncheon)

• Wednesday December 3 from 6:45 – 8 p.m. – Cole Court Common Room (Board Meeting)

• Sunday December 7 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.– Placentino Cafetorium (at the Breakfast with Santa)

• Wednesday December 17 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Restaurant 45 (Medway – Monthly Dinner Meeting)

• Wednesday December 24 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Mount Hollis Lodge (Christmas Eve Meal Delivery only)

If none of these times work for you please contact the Holliston Lions here: https://hollistonmalions.org/contact-us/ 

The local organization is always looking for individuals, young and old, who are committed to making a difference in our community.  If community members can’t find the time to join, they may still support the Lions’ charitable work through a donation. At the breakfast, the Lions encourage you to stop by their membership table, where they will answer any questions people may have. Also, for more information, visit the Holliston Lions’ website at https://hollistonmalions.org.