New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the start of the state’s annual holiday donation drive, which began on November 1. The initiative seeks new, unwrapped toys, coats, school supplies, and non-perishable food items to support families in need across New York during the holiday season.
This year’s drive includes an expanded focus on food donations. The addition comes as a response to recent federal actions that threatened Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for New Yorkers. SNAP is considered the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and supports nearly three million residents each month, many of whom are older adults, people with disabilities, or children.
“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 for both businesses and individuals wishing to donate. These locations will collect items until December 5 at most sites; however, donations sent or delivered directly to Empire State Plaza will be accepted through December 15. Food donated between November 1 and the week before Thanksgiving will be distributed ahead of the holiday.
Drop-off points are available in several regions including Albany at various government buildings such as Agency Buildings 1-4 at Empire State Plaza, Alfred E. Smith Building, Corning Tower, Harriman Campus buildings, Hampton Plaza, Legislative Office Building, NYSDOT on Wolf Road, NYSERDA offices on Columbia Circle, Robert Abrams Building for Law and Justice, Swan Street Building Cores 2 & 3, Ten Eyck Building on North Pearl Street, Holland Avenue address and Broadway location; Schenectady at State Street; Syracuse at Senator John J. Hughes State Office Building; Rochester at multiple addresses; Hauppauge at Perry B. Duryea State Office Building; Poughkeepsie at Eleanor Roosevelt State Office Building; Oneonta at Homer Folks Facility; Utica at Utica State Office Building; New York City at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building and Shirley A. Chisholm State Office Building in Brooklyn; Watertown at Dulles State Office Building; Binghamton at Binghamton State Office Building; Hornell at Henderson-Smith State Office Building; Buffalo at Electric Tower and Perry Street.
For those preferring online shopping or shipping donations directly from retailers or warehouses, packages can be sent to: Empire State Plaza P1 South Dock J Albany NY 12242 NYS Holiday Drive.
