TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – Santa visited the VFW in Poughkeepsie on Saturday to visit children who are related to the brave members of VFW Vail–Wolff McKenna-Frye Post 170 on Saturday. The jolly old elf was assisted by dedicated members of the Post Auxiliary.
Auxiliary President Dawn Roger told Mid-Hudson News that the successful visit was the result of a joint effort by the members of the post and the auxiliary. “The Post provided the gifts for Santa to give to the children and an auxiliary committee made it all come together. Gifts were wrapped, crafts and entertainment were arranged, and we took care of the food to make the event special for the children as they met with Santa.”
In addition to the several children who met with Santa before his official trip to the area, the VFW adopts a family in need each year to brighten up the holiday season. This year, the Malone family of Wappingers Falls was selected. Mr. Malone is a military veteran. Malone’s family, including his wife, teenage son, and young daughter, lost everything after a natural gas explosion destroyed their residence and all of their belongings. After being introduced to those in attendance, the children were called up to visit with Santa and get several early Christmas presents. “We take care of our veterans and while we can’t replace the items lost in the explosion, we can at least make the season just a little brighter,” Roger said.
