U.S. Army Capt. Vernon Snyder, the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion chaplain, greets children in Camisano Vicentino, Italy, on Dec. 5, 2023, during the unit's annual toy drive. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes)
CAMISANO VICENTINO, Italy — St. Nicholas took on the guise of American “sky soldiers” ahead of his usual feast day, as members of the Army’s famed 173rd Airborne Brigade became toy distributors for their Italian hosts.
For the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion troops, the annual toy donation that took place Tuesday as part of the Community Alliance Program brought a range of benefits and good feelings.
“The people of Camisano Vicentino, as well as the greater Vicenza area, have been very gracious to us,” said battalion commander Lt. Col. Travis Toole. “This event serves as a small token of our appreciation.”
More than 100 toys were donated. Unit chaplain Capt. Vernon Snyder was credited for doing the legwork and coordination needed to make the event happen, and he estimated a threefold increase in donations over last year’s amount.
Snyder believes that such events helps the soldiers find a sense of purpose and belonging and gives them a way to enjoy the holidays despite separation from their loved ones stateside.
Ruth Batts, of the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion soldier family readiness group, hands out candy to elementary students Dec. 5, 2023, during the battalion's annual toy drive in Camisano Vicentino, Italy. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes)
Toys and gifts donated by the soldiers of the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, are put on display for schoolchildren Dec. 5, 2023, in Camisano Vicentino, Italy. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes)
All the donated toys were purchased by members of the battalion and some soldiers bought extra gifts, including one who bought six of them in wrapping paper.
The toy haul will be divided among the four elementary schools in the city, Camisano Mayor Renzo Marangon said. The toys will be used by the schools and will not be given to children to take home.
“This event means a lot to us because we have a historical friendship with the Americans,” Marangon said.
To add to the event, Staff Sgt. Steven Tonello, who grew up in Vicenza, dressed up as Santa and took group photos with youngsters.
The annual toy drive is one of the ways the unit takes part in the Community Alliance Program, which allows personnel to engage with the Italian communities. Each Vicenza-based battalion in the 173rd Airborne is paired with a community through the program.
