The Pulaski VFW and Ladies Auxiliary Post 7289 collected enough donations to send nearly 500 stockings and several care boxes to active military troops in Afghanistan and Iraq in time for Christmas, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I – Pulaski) reported today. Local drop-off sites for the drive included town halls in Camillus, Lysander, Marcellus, Skaneateles and Elbridge. Leroy and Lois Bowen have spearheaded the donation effort since 2004, Barclay said in a press release. “They send hygiene products, snacks and entertainment donated by the surrounding community to the troops.” This was the fourth year the assemblyman’s office participated in the drive. Barclay said the post often hears back from soldiers who say the packages “brightened their holidays.” “I wanted to say ‘thank you’ to all who donated this year to those who have to spend holidays away from family, friends and home protecting our freedoms.”