Pembroke Fire Department kicks off the holiday season this week.

At 6 p.m. Saturday, children of all ages are invited to have Cookies with Santa at the Michael Foxworth Gym. Kids will have the opportunity to decorate cookies and hear a magical Christmas tale read by Mrs. Clause. The event is hosted by the PFD along with the PFD Ladies Auxiliary.

Then Dec. 4-7, the PFD will begin its annual Santa Run beginning each evening around 6 p.m. The firefighters, along with Santa, will be handing out candy canes to children and playing Christmas music.

Chief Peter Waters assured that each neighborhood would receive a visit from Santa, even if it meant extending into the following week. The schedule is subject to change depending on availability.

According to Waters, these holiday events provide the department with the opportunity to connect more with the community and to be seen doing positive things.

He and the other firefighters enjoy being able to interact with the community during these times of celebration as opposed to only moments of crisis, he said.