'Tis the season to break out into song and belt out Christmas carols with friends, neighbours, and family.

And that is what is expected this weekend at A Pitt Meadows Christmas.

For the second year, The TIMES and the Pitt Meadows Community Foundation have joined forces to provide Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge residents with a festive holiday songbook.

And that songbook, full of carols, will be handed out during A Pitt Meadows Christmas, which runs on Friday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Spirit Square.

For the past four years the community foundation has been an integral part of the Pitt Meadows Christmas celebrations.

The foundation co-hosts the annual family-oriented festival, which features children's activities, contests, entertainment - and most moving for foundation president, Michael Hayes, the traditional singing of Christmas carols.

"Each year, this family event continues to grow in activities, friendship, and spirit," said Hayes.

And he knows people are anxious to once again get hold of the keepsake Christmas songbooks this year, which are given out in exchange for a donation to the foundation.

Last year nearly $500 was raised through donations from the songbooks.

Hayes said the books are a great way to get the word out about the foundation and its efforts to build a better community.

The Pitt Meadows Community Foundation was established in 1983 to enhance the quality of life in Pitt Meadows. The foundation is managed entirely by volunteers.

"We are well positioned to bring people and organizations together, convening diverse voices to address local issues and opportunities," Hayes said.

The motto is "building today for a better tomorrow."

To date, the Pitt Meadows Community Foundation has granted more than $100,000 in financial support for the community.

smclaren@mrtimes.com

. More online at www.mrtimes.com