Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rusty The Elf came all the way from the North Pole to visit The Gleason Family YMCA on Saturday for breakfast and to have their photos taken with local children.

Lauren DeGregorio of Bourne volunteered as photographer, and Becky Herndon of Marion printed the photos. Assorted holiday frames were provided.

All proceeds from the event benefited the Gleason Y's Annual Support Campaign, which provides scholarships for YMCA memberships, child care, and youth and adult programs.

“It’s cool that Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rusty The Elf come every year to be here and help out,” reflected 9-year-old Ethan DeGregorio of Bourne, after having his picture taken with 5-year-old Logan DeGregorio of Bourne and 9-year-old Joshua Herndon of Marion. Ethan and Joshua have helped at the event during all five years of its existence.

“I love helping every year,” said Joshua.

Breakfast and Christmas-themed ornament crafts were provided by volunteer employees of the YMCA and members of  the community.

“The event was very successful, and it wouldn’t have happened without all of the great volunteers,” said JoAnn Watson, who conceived of the event five years ago. "Around twenty volunteers took this time to help out.”

She reminded visitors that fundraising for the Annual Support Campaign continues Dec. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wareham Crossing Red Robin restaurant, with 20 percent of the cost of each meal donated to the campaign.