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 nursing home in Utica.

Post and Auxiliary members held a Christmas party at the Pines for the veterans at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. Each sack containes four wrapped gifts including socks, cookies and various candies.

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