Today, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) announced he and many local partners are launching the fourth annual “Stockings for Veterans” drive—a holiday season effort to collect personal-care items for veterans at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse. The drive is also an opportunity to stock much-needed supplies for the medical center, which can be given to veterans at the hospital throughout the year. Donations will be accepted from now until Monday, Dec. 18.

“This holiday season is all about giving. Once again, I am honored to collaborate with the Oswego County Clerk’s Office and the DMVs, Carpenters Local 277, Mexico School District and the dedicated students from New Visions,” said Leader Barclay. “This year, we extend an invitation to the community, including organizations, businesses, school groups and individuals, to join us in expressing gratitude and lend a helping hand to the veterans who have selflessly devoted their lives to safeguarding and serving our nation.”

“This personal-care item drive has become a welcome tradition and our hospital is thankful to have that connection north of our center for those who wish to support the VA and its mission. The gifts and cards bring the veterans Christmas cheer, and it is heartwarming to see the community’s outpouring and the veterans’ appreciation,” said Becky Jo Ross, spokesperson for the Syracuse VA Medical Center.

“It is with great honor that I am able to help assist with giving back to those who served our country. Our veterans in upstate New York are underappreciated and need recognition and warm support this holiday season. I have been able to partner with Assembly Leader Barclay and the VA Medical Center to coordinate donation sites and lists for the community. We hope to be able to make Christmas something warm and bright for our veterans this year,” said Oswego County Clerk Terry Wilbur.

This year, the “Stockings for Veterans” drive is looking to collect the following items:

• Stockings (that can be filled)
• Body wash
• Fragrance-free lotion
• Chapstick
• Gripper socks
• Large-print word finds/crossword puzzles
• Uno or other small board games
• Candy canes
• Soft granola bars
• Winter hats and gloves
• Sweatpants and sweatshirts
• Men’s underwear and colored t-shirts
• Canvas shoes or sneakers, sizes 8-12
• Cards and letters written for the veterans

Donated personal-care items may be dropped off at the following locations until Dec. 18:

• Leader Barclay’s District Office located at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069
• Oswego County Clerk located at 46 E. Bridge St., Oswego, NY 13126
• The Fulton DMV located at 200 North 2nd St., Fulton, NY 13069
• The Oswego DMV located at 384 E. River Rd., Oswego, NY 13126
• The Pulaski DMV located at 2 Broad St., Pulaski, NY 13142
• Carpenters Local 277 located at 6920 Princeton Ct., Syracuse, NY 13212.