Twenty-six veterans living at Colonial Gardens Guest House received gift bags and essential items donated by community members and over 18 businesses in Chicora, East Brady and Butler on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Irina Bucur/Butler Eagle

Twenty-six veterans living at Colonial Gardens Guest House received gift bags and essential items donated by community members and over 18 businesses in Chicora, East Brady and Butler on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Over 20 people, including Zach Scherer, Don Scherer and Tim Kramer, were involved in organizing the event this year.

Cahlen Scherer, 11, carries gift bags to present to veterans at Colonial Gardens Guest House on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Irina Bucur/Butler Eagle.

The Scherers, including 11-year old Cahlen, unloaded the gifts from a trailer, and brought them inside with the help of senior living staff and other community members. Don Scherer dressed up as Santa, presented veterans with gifts.

Donated items included robes, socks, blankets, pillows, coffee mugs, snacks and more.

Colonial Gardens owner Kim Leroy said out of the 26 veterans living in the facility, six to seven have families.