Surrounded by pancakes, toys and reindeer food, Christmas came a little early to Wareham as Community Youth Empowerment celebrated the holiday season by hosting their annual Breakfast with Santa.

Community Youth Empowerment is a Wareham based non-profit dedicated to supporting the community, especially the youth by offering internships and developmental workshops to help kids prepare for life after high school.

Brianna Gamble is the chief of staff for Community Youth Empowerment and she described their annual Breakfast with Santa as a "good community event."

"Kids get a free pancake breakfast, a free toy and a picture with Santa," said Gamble.

She added kids were able to make their own letters to Santa and "reindeer food," a combination of oats, yogurt and raisins.

Reathan Blake is an intern with Community Youth Empowerment and she was helping run the breakfast. She said being able to be a part of these events is important because she wants to make more connections within the Wareham community she calls home.

"I don't know a lot of people here but by doing this I get to know a lot of new people," said Blake. "I meet a lot of the little kids and if I see them around I can say hi because I met them through a community event."

Katelyn Jean of Wareham was at the event with her kids not only because she thought her kids would have fun, but to also get them involved in community events.

"I think it's important to be social and meet new people in the area," said Jean.

Wareham resident Coco Black was at the event with her two-year-old daughter Xena Madera and she said they had a "wonderful experience."

Madera added with enthusiasm that meeting Santa was her favorite part.

Gamble explained the event has been going on annually for the last five years and each year, Community Youth Empowerment wants to help as many people as they can.

"Times are hard for a lot of people and the magic of Christmas can get lost in that," said Gamble. "Christmas is amazing and it's really about creating magic for the kids and keeping it alive for them."