This Veterans Day, Broadway Utica proudly presents A Christmas Story, The Musical on November 11 & 12, 2025, at The Stanley Theatre and alongside the laughter and holiday spirit on stage, Utica Center For Development is inviting the community to join a heartfelt mission: Stocking Stuffers for Our Local Veterans.
While families gather to enjoy this timeless holiday favorite live on stage, Broadway Utica is asking audiences to remember and honor the men and women who have served/are currently serving our country. Guests are encouraged to bring socks, toiletries, snacks, gift cards, or other small stocking-stuffer-style items. These donations will be collected and packaged into holiday gifts for local veterans, ensuring they feel the warmth, gratitude, and joy of the season.
Broadway Utica’s Youth Ambassador Program will be outside The Stanley Theatre before both shows to greet theatre-goers, collect donations, and share in spreading cheer—not just inside the theatre, but out in the community.
Suggested Donation Items Include:
- Socks, gloves, hats, scarves
- Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap)
- Non-perishable snacks
- Notebooks, pens, stationery
- Gift cards (grocery, gas, coffee shops)
“One of my greatest joys in this role is finding ways to go beyond the stage and shine a light on our community,” said Danielle Padula, Executive Director of Broadway Utica. “We are so much more than a presenter of world-class touring Broadway shows. By tying in our Youth Ambassadors through this initiative, we’re teaching them the power of giving back and showing them what it means to make an impact. With A Christmas Story spending nearly two weeks here preparing to launch its national tour in Utica, this is also our chance to show how welcoming and generous our community truly is—especially as we honor our local veterans during the holiday season.”
This Veterans Day, let’s come together through theatre, generosity, and gratitude to make the holidays brighter for those who have given us so much.