Before coming down our chimneys in the early hours of Dec. 25, Santa will be making his annual pit stop at Amvets Post 18 in East Islip on Dec. 21 for a delicious brunch.

The Brunch with Santa is hosted by the Kiwanis Club of the Islips-Bay Shore: a not-for-profit organization committed to serving the Islip, East Islip, West Islip, Islip Terrace, Central Islip and Bay Shore communities since 1987.

The annual Brunch with Santa, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Dec. 21, is a joy-filled morning with music, raffles, pictures with Santa, and even an appearance by live “Star Wars” characters.

“We will have about 30 raffle baskets,” noted former president and current member of the Kiwanis Club of the Islips-Bay Shore, Sandy Flandina. “We will also have some bigger, more expensive items as a separate raffle, like a video arcade game, a watch, and more.”

Giving back remains at the heart of the event. Attendees are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy for a girl or boy of any age, which will be donated to Pronto of Long Island in Bay shore and distributed to children in need. Additionally, proceeds raised from the event will fund the Kiwanis Club’s community outreach.

Same as previous years, the event will be held at Amvets Post 18 in East Islip, located at 141 Carleton Avenue.

“Post 18 Amvets is a big supporter of ours,” noted Flandina. “They give us a break on the cost of the food, and we in turn give them a donation to help the Post.”

Veterans, as well as children under 5, will be admitted at no charge. Tickets cost $25 per adult and $15 per child. Tickets can be purchased through cash, check, or Venmo to Kiwanis-islips-bayshore. For more information, contact Sandy Flandina at 631-882-4994 or sandyflandina@hotmail.com, or contact Adele Sill at 631-327-1278 or adeles127@optonline.net.