Feeling connected and cared for is especially important during the holiday season, and Onset Foursquare Church wanted to make sure that the children of the community knew this with the fifth Christmas Toy Drive designed and hosted by Christine Roderick, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.

Twinkling Christmas lights, wreaths and ribbons draped the walls, plush stuffed animals lay in wait beneath the Christmas tree and a warm crowd of local families gathered for the genuine exhibition of generosity.

“This is what community is about; coming together,” said Roderick.

Roderick is the executive producer and director of the annual WCTV live broadcast, “Christine Roderick’s Christmas Special.”

“It’s a really nice event that Christine’s been doing for a long time, where they bring the kids from the community together,” said Alan Slavin, selectman.

This year’s telecast was dedicated to Roderick’s son and sister who have passed.

“To all those in the hospital or who have recently lost loved ones,” she said “In our hearts, we are hurting as much as you are, and we encourage you to go back to your church and pray. Anyone who is sick, know that we love you and are praying for you.”

All volunteers who made this night possible were family and friends from the community.

Mercedes Suarez, member of Onset Foursquare Church and student of Bourne Middle School, livened the atmosphere with several Christmas carols. “Santa’s helpers” passed out candy canes, encircled Town Moderator Claire Smith as she read “The Night before Christmas” and assisted Santa with passing out presents to kids.

The sanctuary was bursting with joy at the excitement of Santa as every child present received a toy and no one left without a smile.

Church member of six years and decorator of this Christmas event, Deb Lanza, “affectionately known as ‘Sister Deb’,” said, “Christine has always had the children of Onset and Wareham on her heart. We all try to come together to make community work.”