From left are: Executive Board member Vincent Zaleski, Commander Tony Palladino, Auxiliary member Evelyn McVoy, Service Officer David Wilson and Past Commander Frank Cassella.

UTICA, Dec. 3, 2010 -- Using red bags donated by the Village Toy Shop, Santa’s helpers at Utica Post 229 created sacks of goodies for 22 nursing home war veterans that the post has adopted at the Pines at Utica Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. Each sack contains four wrapped gifts including socks, cookies and various candies.

Post and Auxiliary members will hold a Christmas party at the Pines for the veterans at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16.

"We need more members to come out and share some cheer with our adopted veterans," noted Service Officer David Wilson. Anyone interested in helping may leave a message for Wilson at the post (793-9377) or via email at info@uticapost229.org.

The Pines, formerly known as Eden Park, is located at 1800 Butterfield Avenue, Utica.