New York State Donation Drive Benefits Underserved Families

Tuesday, December 23, 2024, New York State’s annual statewide donation drive to benefit needy families was completed according to an announcement from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.

New unwrapped toys, new or gently used coats, and new school supplies were donated and collected to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season, including the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.

I am grateful for the generosity of so many New Yorkers who donated this year to help families in need this holiday season. With the holidays fast approaching, we are working hard to ensure these meaningful gifts make it to families across the state, as well as spreading happiness and joy to those in need. - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

Through donations received at the Empire State Plaza, and other outlets, 6,200 donations were made and are being distributed to families in underserved communities throughout New York State, according to the announcement.

In total, 2,600 toys were donated through drop boxes, and the Compassion Coalition, a non-profit based in Utica. 18-holiday events were hosted across the state’s 10 official regions to distribute the donations.

Total donations by category were as follows according to Governor Hochuls' announcement:

Toys: 4,719
Coats and Jackets: 588
School Supplies: 489
Miscellaneous Apparel: 190
Miscellaneous: 214

Donations were being distributed to various organizations throughout regions of New York State, including The Capitol region, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Long Island, Western New York, Hudon Valley, New York City, Central New York, New York's Southern Tier, and the Finger Lakes region.

In the Southern Tier of New York, donations were distributed to the Broome County Urban League and the Pro Action of Steuben and Yates.

In the Finger Lakes regions donations were distributed to the Center For Youth.