MONTICELLO, NY — The Monticello Kiwanis Club recently held its holiday party at Blue Horizon Diner. In lieu of exchanging gifts among those in attendance, the members opted to bring an unwrapped toy or game that would be donated to United Way of Sullivan County for distribution to local children in need. The club, as well as individual Kiwanis members, also donated money to be used by the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School Builders Club for purchasing items at Wal-Mart for the United Way Project Care Program.

The Builders Club members donned Christmas caps and reindeer antlers and traveled by school bus to Wal-Mart, where they picked out items that someone in their own age range (12 to 14 years old) would enjoy, since they were advised that there was a need for toys and craft items for that age category.

Kaytee Warren, United Way chief professional officer, received the toys at the United Way Building. The Builders Club members posed for pictures with all their donated “loot” and enjoyed birthday cupcakes and beverages in celebration of Oefelein’s birthday. Warren thanked all for their generosity to assure that no child is forgotten during the holiday season.