The annual Rio Verde Fire District Pancake Breakfast to benefit VerdeCares, Inc. and Operation Santa Claus is Saturday, Dec. 3.

The public is invited to join the fun with prizes and buttermilk pancakes at the free breakfast to help VerdeCares, Inc., the volunteer driven 501(c)3 nonprofit based in the Verdes.  VerdeCares provides no charge services to lower Verde Valley residents. Breakfast begins 8:30 a.m. at the fire station on Forest Road.

The Rio Verde Fire District has also partnered with Sanderson Ford to launch the event as an official location of “Operation Santa Claus.”  Bring a new toy, new children’s clothing or packaged non-perishable food items and be entered into Sanderson’s drawing, held at a later date, for a new vehicle.

Santa hand out gifts to everyone,  and 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. Follow the signs for parking in the Community Church of the Verdes parking lot.  Shuttle service will be available to the fire station.

VerdeCares Executive Director Vicki Beseke said, “We appreciate our firefighters’ support. VerdeCares volunteers are an awesome asset to our neighbors.  Whether we are providing transportation, meals, help with grocery shopping, family respite and more, our goal is to be here for our neighbors when they need us.  Keeping pace with the rapid changes in the healthcare industry, our care management services provide support from hospital admission to home self-sufficiency.” 

Beseke will be present at the pancake breakfast and available to answer questions and provide information on many helpful resources.