The Rio Verde Fire District and VerdeCares invites residents to join the holiday spirit for fun, prizes and delicious buttermilk pancakes at the annual pancake breakfast, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7.

Breakfast is free with donations accepted to benefit VerdeCares, Inc., a volunteer driven 501(C)3 nonprofit based in the Verdes. VerdeCares provides no-charge services to the lower Verde valley residents.

The Rio Verde Fire District and Sanderson Ford have partnered to launch this pancake breakfast benefit as an official location of “Operation Santa Claus.”  Bring a new toy, new children’s clothing or packaged non-perishable food item and be entered into Sanderson’s drawing, held later, for a new vehicle.

Santa will arrive and hand out gifts to everyone. Young visitors will get the chance to sit in the fire truck for pictures.

There are lots of drawings for give-away gifts including certificates for dining, golf and other surprises.  The location is Rio Verde Fire Station, 25608 N. Forest Road. Follow the signs for parking in the Community Church of the Verdes parking lot.  Shuttle service will be available to the fire station.