Local United Way Brings Toys For Kids

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The United Way of The Valley and Greater Utica Area presented a stocking full of toys to youngsters at Johnson Park Center in Utica.Chief Operations Officer,  Reverend Ursula Meier said the generous donation will mean a brighter Christmas for many area kids. She said, "It helps us to make a great impact. People who are in need who cannot afford to go out and buy  Christmas presents because all their money they use for food and to pay the utility bills, and so for them thanks to the United Way they can have Christmas, they can celebrate, they can have joy during this time."

Susan Woods Director of Marketing and Communications for United Way delivered the presents to the Center and says the gifts are possible thanks to community efforts to help those in need this holiday season. She said, "We're so excited to be able to help our community in this way. A week ago there was a party in Herkimer at Gems Along The Mohawk to benefit United Way, and Santa and several of his helpers gathered many gifts for the children of our community and he just insisted that half the gifts be distributed in Herkimer and half here in Utica. And so we selected YMCA in Mohawk to receive the gifts this afternoon and then the JPC Center for Utica."

Woods says the United Way touches many lives throughout the Greater Mohawk Valley--not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year. She says that's why it's so important to support the organization.