Fishkill, N.Y. – Nov. 25, 2009 - Let Operation Santa commence!

Seniors enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant program at Newburgh Free Academy recently visited Elant at Fishkill to help its Elderact Club kick off its Operation Santa endeavor.

The project, which includes Elderact clubs from both Elant at Wappingers Falls and Elant at Fishkill, includes the assembly of roughly 500 “Hot Coco Cones” to send to troops overseas. The cellophane cones contain hot cocoa, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips, and are tied with a yellow ribbon. Each cone is then adorned with a sticker that reads, “Assembled with love by the Elderact Club of Fishkill.”

This project is in support of Semper Fi  Parents of the Hudson Valley. Led by Paula Zwilliger, this project also collects gifts and donations for American service men and women overseas on active duty and in military hospitals. Zwilliger will deliver packages in person at Christmas time to a military hospital in Germany.

“The residents and students feel wonderful about being able to bring some holiday joy to the young men and women who so bravely serve our country,” said George Michaels, the administrator of both Elant at Wappingers Falls and Elant at Fishkill.

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Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, is a leading provider of services for older adults and chronically ill people of all ages. Elant is a comprehensive network of organizations that provides a full range of health and housing services to the Hudson Valley and beyond. On any given day, Elant serves more than 3,500 people through its network of communities, home care agencies, and services. Elant’s mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care and lifestyle options to persons of diverse generations, cultures, and needs.