Governor Kathy Hochul recently kicked off New York’s annual holiday donation drive, which began on November 1. This initiative aims to support families in need by collecting new, unwrapped toys, coats, school supplies, and non-perishable food items.
The drive has expanded this year to include food donations. This shift comes in response to challenges faced by many families due to recent cuts to SNAP benefits, which historically aid nearly three million New Yorkers each month, including a significant number of older adults, children, and individuals with disabilities.
“Generosity is vital during the holiday season,” said Governor Hochul. “This drive is a chance for everyone in New York to help share warmth and joy with those who need it most.”
Drop-off locations are set up throughout the state. Donations can be accepted from November 1 to December 5. Food collected before Thanksgiving will be distributed in time for the holiday.
Here’s a list of some donation sites across different regions:
Central New York
- Senator John J. Hughes State Office Building, Syracuse
Finger Lakes
- NYS State Police, Rochester
North Country
- Dulles State Office Building, Watertown
Southern Tier
- Binghamton State Office Building, Binghamton
Western New York
- Electric Tower, Buffalo
Capital Region
- Multiple locations in Albany
Long Island
- Perry B. Duryea State Office Building, Hauppauge
Mid-Hudson
- Eleanor Roosevelt State Office Building, Poughkeepsie
Mohawk Valley
- Homer Folks Facility, Oneonta
New York City
- Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, NYC
People are encouraged to ship items to the Empire State Plaza in Albany, where they will be collected until December 15.
In recent years, community-backed initiatives like this drive have gained traction on social media, reflecting a growing culture of giving. Experts in social welfare note that local support systems are crucial in fighting hunger, especially during the cold months. A report from Feeding America estimates that food insecurity affects one in eight New Yorkers, highlighting the importance of this drive.
As the holiday season approaches, every donation counts in making a difference in someone’s life.
