MATTAPOISETT — The Mattapoisett YMCA didn’t cover its Christmas tree with traditional ornaments, rather it used something with a little more local flare: buoys.

Families gathered at the Mattapoisett YMCA on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 7 for the YMCA’s second annual Buoy Tree Lighting.

Visitors stayed warm around a fire and were treated to s’mores and hot chocolate.

According to Mattapoisett YMCA Executive Director Stephanie Winterson, this event is an important annual fundraiser for the organization.

“Anyone in the community could buy a buoy for $100 and either decorate it themselves or donate it so the kids in our child care programs could paint it,” said Winterson. “This year we were able to give out $40,000 in camp scholarships. This event is one of the reasons why that could happen.”

The buoy tree was placed on the sand of the YMCA’s beach. Winterson said the nautical theme of the tree fits the profile of Mattapoisett and Camp Massasoit which is held at the Mattapoisett YMCA every summer.

Ella’s Wood Fired Kitchen served hot pizza to cold attendees out of its food truck. Children at the event took part in arts and crafts, a dodgeball-like game called “Gaga Ball” and even got the chance to tell Santa Claus what they were hoping for this Christmas.

Winterson, who started working at Mattapoisett YMCA as a camp counselor in 2010, said “As prices increase for everything, we prepare for families to need more support financially and that is what we are here to do.”

“This event is for everyone to celebrate the lighting, get everyone over here to the Y, and feel the Christmas Spirit,” said Winterson.