As the holidays swiftly approach, several community groups are planning a unique event to ensure that all island residents will enjoy the season. With the combined efforts of Heart of Mercy Ministry, Pine Island Cares, Jesus Christ Ministries and FISH, a Pre-Holiday Celebration will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The entire community is invited to enjoy some early Thanksgiving and Christmas cheer at 5149 Storage located on Pine Island Road near the island center.

“John from Olde Fish House Marina has very generously allowed us to utilize his property for this event. It is the perfect location as it is centrally located and highly visible,” said Pastor Lynne Beaudry with Jesus Christ Ministries. “It is our hope that islanders, regardless of their situation, come out and join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship.”

The purpose of this event is to provide aid to anyone who may have some special needs for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. The volunteers from participating groups will provide non-perishable food items as well as free new or gently used clothes, shoes and other items that may be needed by members of the community.

“This is an opportunity for the community to provide hope for those who are going through a hard time,” said Beaudry. “I don’t care who you are, we all face the possibility of dealing with difficulty and when we feel as though we are all alone in our situation, we become hopeless. This is an opportunity to join together and give people hope that things will get better.”

In addition to the dispersal of needed items, all are welcome to enjoy the festivities of the day. Throughout the day free lunches will be served as well as entertainment from local musicians, Peaches the Clown and children will be presented with balloon animals. Slated to perform is the Praise Band from Jesus Christ Ministries with Larry Beaudry, Madalyn and Bob from Bradenton and others who will perform spiritual and uplifting music for everyone to enjoy.

In addition, Beaudry will pass out coupons reminding those who are in need of assistance during the holidays that Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets are available to families and individuals from FISH.

“I think people need to be made more aware that there is help here on the island. Organizations like FISH, the Beacon and Pine Island Cares are here to address a variety of needs and we will use this event to help spread the word,” said Beaudry. “This is also a way to let people that they are not alone and we are here to help them enjoy the holiday season.”

According to Beaudry, this event is an extension of the free meals provided at her church each Saturday evening and is an example of her philosophy of reaching out to the community.

“As part of my responsibility as the pastor of a church, it is our job to reach out to the community to offer them comfort and understanding particularly during hard times,” Beaudry said. “By offering a free meal each week, I feel that we are heading in the right direction to fulfill that mission and this event will further express that.”

According to Beaudry, Heart of Mercy Ministry also will provide free breads and pastries to take home and a Kids Area will be set up to entertain the children while their parents browse, enjoy lunch or collect items to take home.

Jesus Christ Ministries also is collecting donations for this event and for more information about the Pre-Holiday Celebration or to make a contribution, call 283-0413.