New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the start of the state’s annual holiday donation drive, which began on November 1. The initiative aims to collect new, unwrapped toys, coats, school supplies, and non-perishable food items for families in need across New York. This year’s drive includes an expanded focus on food donations due to recent federal actions that have affected access to SNAP benefits for nearly three million New Yorkers each month.
“Generosity is a core value of the holiday season. New York’s statewide Toy and Coat Drive offers an opportunity to give back to our communities when it’s needed most,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to consider donating to share hope, happiness, warmth and holiday cheer with children and families in need.”
The New York State Office of General Services has organized drop-off locations throughout the state where individuals and businesses can contribute items. Donations will be distributed by community-based organizations serving underserved communities.
Most drop-off sites will accept donations from November 1 through December 5. At the Empire State Plaza in Albany, both shipped and dropped-off donations will be accepted until December 15. Food collected before Thanksgiving will be distributed ahead of the holiday.
Drop-off locations are available in regions including the Capital Region (multiple buildings at Empire State Plaza and other Albany sites), Central New York (Syracuse), Finger Lakes (Rochester), Long Island (Hauppauge), Mid-Hudson (Poughkeepsie), Mohawk Valley (Oneonta and Utica), New York City (Harlem and Brooklyn), North Country (Watertown), Southern Tier (Binghamton and Hornell), and Western New York (Buffalo).
For those who prefer online shopping, packages can be shipped directly to Empire State Plaza at P1 South Dock J in Albany.
