Senator Mike Nozzolio Announces Record Holiday Drive for the Troops

Continuing his unwavering commitment to the brave men and women serving our Nation, New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio today joined with Assemblyman Brian Kolb, Assemblyman Gary Finch, Assemblyman Bob Oaks, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and Webster Town Supervisor Ron Nesbitt to announce that nearly one hundred individual care packages have been sent to local soldiers serving overseas.  Over 50 families volunteered to support the project and donated nearly one hundred packages as part of the annual “Holiday Drive for the Troops."

“It was a pleasure to be able to work with a number of my colleagues to expand this year’s ‘Holiday Drive for the Troops’ and collect even more items for our servicemen and women serving overseas,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio. “The success of our annual ‘Holiday Drive for the Troops’ is a tribute to the strength and  patriotism of our entire community and I thank all of those who took the time to contribute to this year’s efforts.”

Each year during the Holiday season, Senator Mike Nozzolio leads the annual ‘Holiday Drive for the Troops’ and collects nonperishable items from the community to be sent to military personnel deployed overseas. Senator Nozzolio was inspired to begin the annual drive with the help and support of Belinda McElroy of Sodus. Belinda’s youngest son, Sean served in Iraq and her oldest son, Patrick served in Afghanistan.

“As the proud father, son, brother and uncle of veterans, I understand firsthand the sacrifices our servicemen and women, as well as their families, make year-round protecting our nation,” said Leader Kolb. “This holiday season, thanks to the efforts and donations of local residents, our troops serving overseas will receive care packages full of little comforts and reminders of home. These packages are a small way of saying thank you, and I urge everyone to continue supporting our brave men and women all year round.”

"I am always pleased to participate in this effort for the troops who can't be with their families at the holidays," said Assemblyman Oaks. "I am proud that so many of my constituents contributed generously and remembered these brave servicemen and women who give so much of themselves every day of the year."

"I was pleased to join with Senator Mike Nozzolio and my colleagues to make this years 'Holiday Drive for the Troops' an even bigger success. This time of the year it is especially important that we recognize and thank the men and women serving our country for the sacrifices they make everyday defending our freedom," said Assemblyman Gary Finch. 

“It is a privilege to participate in Senator Nozzolio's annual 'Holiday for Drive for the Troops.' It is so important that we all remember to pause during this busy holiday season to remember the brave men and women who are serving to keep us safe and protect our freedom. Thank you to all who participated in this year's drive and to everyone for their continued support of our troops,” said Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.  

“Again, it has been an honor to work with Senator Nozzolio on providing food and other essential items for the troops in his ‘Holiday Drive for the Troops.' We had residents call to find out when they could drop off their donations because it meant so much to them to help out the troops this time of the year. We, in Webster look forward to helping Senator Nozzolio again in the future on this important project he started,” said Webster Town Supervisor Ron Nesbitt.

“Our servicemen and women have left their families and friends and the comfort of their homes in order to serve a cause greater than themselves. They have sacrificed so much to serve our Nation and helping to provide them with the little comforts from home is just one way that we can all say ‘thank you’ for their service to our State and Nation.  As State Senator, I will continue my aggressive efforts to honor and support our brave soldiers and veterans,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio.