​(914) Cares is a Westchester based non-profit with the mission of supporting those in our community who struggle to meet basic needs, with the goal of eradicating poverty in Westchester. They understand the needs of those in our community through our existing relationships with over 60 local non-profits, schools and agencies. Many community members are not aware of the acute need that exists in our community: 

• 21% of residents are food insecure (hungry or at risk for hunger)
• 12.3% of households live at or below the federal poverty line
• 28% of children grades K-6 are on free and reduced lunch 
• 40% of babies born are born to families on Medicaid
• There are over 3000 temporary housing facilities in the county (including homeless shelters, transitional housing, Day Shelters, and treatment centers)

​
(914) Cares has created different programs to address the most urgent needs of those in our community. These programs include:

Kids’ Kloset provides children in need with gently used clothing and related items. The mission is to help children in need be happier, boost self-esteem, and face daily challenges by providing hand-picked clothing and essentials that are just right for them. The goal is to ensure that children do not miss school due to lack of appropriate clothing to wear.
​

Diaper Depot provides a weeks worth of diapers and wipes each month to families in need. The mission is to ensure no family has to endure diaper deprivation.  The goal is to improve the physical and emotional health of families and babies, as well as allowing caregivers the ability to place babies in daycare.
​

(914) Cares does not distribute to the public directly, however they do work with many community partners located throughout Westchester County to help those in need.

Please visit their website www.914cares.org to see their community partners, and to learn how you can help. ​​

More Articles You May Enjoy

The pandemic has been a hardship unlike any other to many in Westchester County (and all over the world). Our neighbors, friends, teachers and other community members are facing overwhelming challenges during this unprecedented, uncertain time. Many have lost jobs, endured illness and are therefore struggling to meet basic needs like paying rent, putting food on the table and clothing their children.

It’s easy to get so caught up in both the joys and obligations of the holidays that we lose sight of what they really mean. Giving back can be an extremely rewarding and memorable experience for you and your child. By helping others who aren’t as fortunate, kids can better see all the remarkable things to be grateful for in their own lives. In fact, giving back can be more rewarding than receiving lots of presents.

Right now you can make a remarkable difference by giving to Lifting Up Westchester. They are offering safe, easy ways to share the joy of the holiday season with families who could truly use a miracle right now. Why not spread a little holiday cheer this year? 

Lifting Up Westchester (LUW) restores hope to Westchester County’s men, women and children in need by providing them with food, shelter and support—and lifting them to greater self-sufficiency with dignity and respect.

For four decades, Lifting Up Westchester has worked to permanently change the lives of our neighbors in crisis by finding them stable, long-term, housing and providing the support they need to rebuild their lives. We serve approximately 3,500 Westchester residents each year through four key program areas: Emergency Food & Shelter, Housing Stabilization, Vocational Training & Employment, and Next Generation Educational Opportunities.

There are many ways you can support LUW’s mission to help neighbors in need this holiday season and year-round.
​

3. Make A Donation (Year Round)

Support LUW’s mission year round by making a donation. 
MAKE A DONATION

More Articles You May Enjoy

At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on. We have all been struggling in our own ways during this unprecedented time. This holiday season, now more than ever, you can really make a difference to those in need.

Instilling an attitude of gratitude in your child is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Include them in your efforts. When you make time for these simple–yet profound–contributions, your will kids develop a stronger sense of community and connection to service work. They’ll experience the joy that comes from making a difference in someone else’s life. They’ll feel more connected to their families. And they’ll feel more grateful for the things they have.

Here are five ways you can give back in Westchester County this holiday season. Of course there are endless opportunities to contribute. For additional ideas to support our local community, please visit our Giving Back page. Or contact your local school, church, synagogue, community center or town hall for more suggestions.

More Articles You May Enjoy 

​I’m really, really bad not only at asking for help, but even accepting help when it’s offered to me. I remember about a year ago flying by myself with my kids. I was trying to maneuver a suitcase, car seats, a diaper bag, a rambunctious two-year old, and a three-month old to the rental car lot. “Can I carry something for you?” the agent asks. “Oh no, I’m good!” I say. Seriously?! Why do I do this?! 
 
Sure, that’s a comical example, but things aren’t so comical for a lot of moms right now. When I started Lasagna Love at the beginning of the pandemic, my one goal was to help moms in my community who were struggling. For some, that struggle meant their family had lost income. But for so many others, struggling has meant moms trying to work remotely, distance learn their kids, be the emotional pillar for the family, keep up to date on COVID safety, still handle everything else they used to do pre-pandemic, and it’s just. Really. Hard. So, you’d think a home-cooked lasagna delivery from a neighbor would be a no brainer!

And yet: I was amazed at the number of moms who messaged me starting with “I’m embarrassed, but…” or “I really don’t want to ask, but…” or “I’ve seen your posts for weeks and I’ve finally gotten up the courage…”
 
Why does it feel so hard to ask for help when we need it? Is it pride? Is it that we’re trying to prove we can? Is it because we’re worried we’ll be judged if we say we need help? Whatever it is I want to change it, and I started with me. Here are the things I remind myself of when help is staring me in the face and I start to say, “no I’m good!”. ​

When I’m offering help, it’s genuine. I’m not offering help because I feel obligated, or because I want something in return, or because I want to hold that help over someone’s head at a later date. Do those people exist? Probably, but I’m pretty sure they’re in the minority. So, if someone else is offering me help, that means it’s also probably genuine. 
 
Helping others makes me feel awesome. Helping other people feels so good to me I think it may be addictive. It makes me feel happy, fulfilled, and tingly, like I’m a part of something greater. So, when someone offers me help, I remind myself that it’s an equal exchange – that I’m also giving them something in the moment that I say yes. 
 
Karma is a thing. If you do nice things for others and somewhere, in the back of your mind, you’re thinking “someday this will come back to me”. Guess what? Someday is here, and it’s coming back to you! Take the help when it’s offered, and don’t ever feel like you don’t deserve it.
 

Mamas, I’ve been working on this for a couple years now and it’s still hard for me to accept help. But the good news is, it’s getting easier! Sometimes it’s the little things, like letting a stranger help me carry groceries to the car. But sometimes it’s the big things, like asking my husband for emotional help when I was feeling helpless at the beginning of this pandemic. Now, it’s a little different at the moment with coronavirus, and I wouldn’t let a stranger help me carry my groceries. But there’s plenty of new ways I’m learning to ask for help in this time. And who knows, maybe reading this will inspire someone here to go sign up for Lasagna Love, or nominate another mama who might not know how to ask for herself!
 
Ultimately, here’s what I believe: the more we accept help, the more other people will be encouraged to offer help, again and again. And the more people offer help, the stronger our communities will be. And the stronger our communities are, the better our world will be. So mamas, let’s go say yes to help!
 
 
 About the Author
Rhiannon Menn is a mama, chef, designer, and adventurer. She loves decaf coffee, traveling, and super fuzzy sweaters. She’s never met a bread pudding she didn’t like! In 2019 after the birth of her second child she had an epiphany: when she took good care of herself, she was much better at taking care of those around her. She founded Good to Mama as a way to change the narrative about what it means to be a mom. In 2020 she also founded Lasagna Love to help moms impacted by the pandemic. She’s been featured on the Today Show, in the Washington Post, and on SouthernLiving.com. You can find her online at www.begoodtomama.com and www.lasagnalove.org, or on Instagram @begoodtomama.

More Articles You May Enjoy

Are you looking for inexpensive ways to keep your little artists and creative teens entertained? ArtsWestchester, a local community organization that provides programs and services to enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County, is offering free online arts activities for children and teens! Their live and pre-recorded online programs include all kinds of creative projects ranging from drawing to dance, character creations to collages, and so much more. Here are the details!

Online Library & Live Virtual ArtsMobile Workshops
Developed with professional teaching artists, this library of hands-on arts activities is perfect for parents to do with their younger children. It features creative and fun art-making activities, with new ones live on Wednesdays. Check out the complete streaming library on Youtube. 

Online Library & Live Teen Video Workshops
​Teens can explore and keep themselves creative with age-appropriate and fun art-making activities.  Using items commonly found in your home, youth and their families can work on literary, performing and visual art workshops led by professional teaching artists. Every Tuesday a new, live activity is added.  Check out the complete streaming library on Youtube.   ​

5 Arts Picks of the Week
​ArtsWestchester is also working hard to keep Westchester families connected to the in-person and virtual arts happenings throughout the county in their weekly Arts E-Newsletter. You can sign up to get the top 5 arts picks of the week via email or go to their website for the latest arts happenings.  

For additional information about local programs from ArtsWestchester and their partners, check out this list of Fall 2020 youth programs at different locations across Westchester County.

Stay creative and inspired for the holiday season!

More Articles You May Enjoy

The holidays are approaching so get your shopping list ready! Organizations in Westchester County are doing their best to offer safe and festive opportunities to shop local and give back to the community. Let's support our incredible retailers! For safety, holiday boutiques have shifted to reservations, distancing and online experiences this year. Find unique gifts, treat yourself and enjoy all the magic the holiday season has to offer.

Junior League of Central Westchester's Holiday Boutique
Sat Nov 14th 9:30am - 4:00pm
Wayside Cottage, 1039 Post Rd, Scarsdale, NY  

The JLCW invites holiday gift givers to do their shopping at the 34th annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, Nov. 14th from 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM at Wayside Cottage (1039 Post Rd).

Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a limited the number of vendors onsite and number of shoppers at one time. Conveniently, shoppers can reserve a time slot to shop in advance.
​
If you prefer to shop from home, check out their virtual Holiday Boutique, which will be available online from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31. 

White Plains Holiday Market
​Thu Dec 3rd - Sun 13th, Thursday-Saturday: 11am - 9pm & Sunday-Wednesday: 11am - 7pm 
Waller Avenue, Waller Ave, White Plains, NY

If you are looking for variety, check out The White Plains Holiday Market, a City of White Plains event in partnership with 914PopUps. This COVID-aware market will feature 40+ vendors and artisans, in individual open-air booths in the heart of downtown White Plains on Waller Avenue. 

Pick up your Christmas tree or holiday wreath! Find interesting and unique gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Free to enter. Masks are required and social distance must be maintained per NYS Guidance.

Wednesday, December 9th will be a Day of Giving. A percentage of sales will be donated to Snarr Northeast animal rescue and Friends of White Plains Public Schools.

Rye Arts Center Online Artisan Boutique
Mon Nov 23rd - Tue Dec 1st
Online

Check off your Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday needs with a curated online shopping experience that supports small businesses and the arts! The Rye Arts Center presents its third annual Artisan Boutique...this time it's entirely online!

​Get a head start on holiday shopping, find unique treasures to brighten your home, or treat yourself to something special!You'll find hand-crafted jewelry, functional ceramics, chocolates and macarons, chic clothing and accessories, and so much more. A portion of proceeds will support The Rye Arts Center's outreach activities.

Every treat you purchase will treat the community to scholarships, after-school programs and more!If you are interested in participating as a vendor please complete our online application.

Virtual Greenwich Holiday Stroll, 24 Days of Holiday Shopping & Dining"
Tue Dec 1st - Thu 24th 
Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT

The Tradition Continues! 2020 marks the 12th Annual Greenwich Holiday Stroll. This year’s event, amidst the COVID pandemic, sets its sights on a new event for a new day. 

The Virtual Greenwich Holiday Stroll features 24 days of short videos highlighting local retail stores and restaurants throughout downtown Greenwich, Village of Old Greenwich, Byram, Glenville, Cos Cob, and Riverside. Over 100 merchants are anticipated to participate. All merchants will be sharing their holiday merchandise, gift ideas, festive wares, services, signatures dishes, celebratory cocktails, and more through fun and engaging videos broadcast on Greenwich Holiday Stroll multi-media and digital platforms and on Greenwichmag.com, December 1 - 24. 

From online ordering, delivery, and curbside pick-up options, to trending fashion and home décor, all can be viewed, and often purchased, from the comfort of one’s home or researched prior to visiting the store. 

More Articles You May Enjoy

​1 in every 10 youth in the U.S. has a mental health challenge with the potential to severely impair them during their lifetimes. We ride to empower today’s youth in New York with the resources they deserve.
 
Children’s mental health impacts all of us – every community, every school, and every family is touched by it in some way. Nearly 30% of parents report that removing children from social environments due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 has had a negative effect on their children’s mental health and wellbeing. Returning them to a school year full of unknowns means they need even more mental health supports than ever.
 
Although this year's ride will look different, your support is needed now more than ever. Help us raise awareness, fundraise, and ride to help young New Yorkers thrive. From September 13th to the 30th, join us for:

• Online workshops where mental health professionals discuss children’s mental health and answer your questions.
• A tour of a children’s residential program with staff discussing how they’re help children thrive during COVID-19
• An exciting closing celebration where we’ll thank you, share how your support is helping young New Yorkers thrive, and celebrate the top teams and individuals.

 
Where Does the Money Raised Go?
Funds raised through Cycle of Support go to The Jewish Board, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children of all religions, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and gender identifications across the five boroughs of New York City and Westchester. These critical programs:

• Provide abused kids who can’t live at home, a safe and supportive residence to recover
• Protect children who have experienced domestic violence and get them on a path to recovery
• Develop stronger, healthier parent and child relationships through counseling services
• Fund services to keep children with their families that are facing challenges
• Ensure kids can go to school and focus on learning in a positive environment.
• Fund different early childhood centers from Harlem to Brownsville and Coney Island, so that parents can build strong and safe bonds with their children
• Ensure that children get the psychiatric treatment they need when they are facing serious mental illnesses
• Empower us to proactively address one of NYC’s major health challenges: access to high-quality mental health services.

 
We hope you’ll join us and hundreds of others who want to ensure children throughout our area feel safe, secure, and supported.

More Articles You May Enjoy

​Why it’s easier than ever to find family-friendly ways to give back locally.

Hey Westchester Families! ‘Tis the season of giving! What better way to prepare for the holiday season than to volunteer and give back in support of your community with your family? This season is a time to open your heart to people who need it the most. There are dozens upon dozens of local charities that need your help. Thankfully, Volunteer New York! has created a central Holiday Volunteer Resource Page with local opportunities for your family and volunteers of all ages to make finding a great opportunity a little bit easier. Volunteerism provides a great bonding experience for you and children and creates memories that will last forever! 
 
Looking to jumpstart your opportunity search? Here are a few examples that are great for families to take part in with young kids!
 

​Take part in a seasonal donation drive!
There are a number of  donation drives happening now through the new year and help is needed to gather food for pantries or warm socks for those experiencing homelessness. The Ronald McDonald House donation drive is a great example. 
 
Or get into the spirit by donating children’s gifts to Friends of Karen

​Pick a DIY volunteer project you can do from home!
Some engaging activities for children and families can be found in the D-I-Y (Do it yourself!) category. Volunteer New York! has listed several crafty ways to get involved and take action. 
 
There’s holiday card and gift bundle making to projects like Crafts and cards for Seniors that are guaranteed to be lots of fun as well as a meaningful experience for both kids and parents. The Sock Bundle Project is another fun D-I-Y project for you and your children to do in the comfort of your own home! 

​ 
Get out of the house and volunteer!
There a few dozens ways to get out there and volunteer this season with your family--that go beyond the traditional Thanksgiving soup kitchen volunteer (p.s. Those opportunities are usually filled in advance by Halloween)--and provide you with different ways to connect back to your community, learn about new causes, and pass on the spirit of giving to the next generation. And that’s the goal of holiday volunteering, to make sure everyone in our community has the opportunity to feel connected!
 
Visit volunteernewyork.org/holiday to see what’s coming up this holiday season and get you and your family signed up to participate! 

Spring is upon us and the spring cleaning itch may be as well. Here are 5 ways to get your home organized, looking great and clutter free! 

Donating your gently used items benefits everyone. First, your used, or in some cases unused, clothing and other household items can make a real difference to someone less fortunate. Second, you help the environment by diverting your things away from the landfill. Third, donations are tax deductible. 

Family Services of Westchester makes donating your stuff easy. Donate children’s clothing to The Sharing Shelf, who will ensure it is given to local families in need. Specifically, they collect and distribute new and gently used clothing in sizes from newborn through XXL, for children and teens from infancy through age 19. They also accept  gently worn or new shoes, strollers, pack-n-plays and new school supplies. Donate at 47 Purdy Avenue, Port Chester (near Costco and the Port Chester movie theater) or for more information contact Deborah Blatt, Program Coordinator at 914-305-5950 or email thesharingshelf@fsw.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters in Westchester accepts all kinds of donations- everything from clothes to toys, strollers to furniture. Check out their full list of acceptable items. You can schedule a pick up with just a few days notice online (even from your phone, that is how I did it!) or you can drop off at one of many convenient Westchester County locations. See the details or schedule a pick here. No need to be home for the pickup.

Another idea is to donate used American Girl Dolls to GirlAGain, a local non-profit organization dedicated to developing job skills for young women with autism. They accept donations of good condition American Girl brand (and Pleasant Company) dolls, doll clothing, furniture, accessories and books. Bring or mail to GirlAGain, 4 Martine Ave, White Plains, NY 10606. For more information visit their website.

Another way to free up some much needed space in your home is to resell or recycle items you no longer need through consignment. This can earn you a little bit of cash, while making them available at a bargain to someone who wants them. 

The Be Green Consignment Sale
Dates TBD
Purchase College Athletic Facility, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase, NY
Sign up to consign your items as part of the annual spring Westchester Be Green Consignment Sale. They accept clothing, sports equipment, baby & toddler equipment, toys and more. Register in advance on their website.

​Once Upon A Child, 2 Convenient Locations
Scarsdale - 455 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, NY, phone: 914-874-5535
Somers - 80 Route 6, Baldwin Place, NY, phone: 914-621-0003
Once Upon A Child is a wonderful consignment store. Each site is individually owned and operated. The concept of the store is that each location buys and sells gently used children’s items including clothes, shoes, toys and more. All locations feature unique items sold in their surrounding neighborhoods. From strollers to baby carriers these stores have so much individuality to offer.

The Preppy Turtle 
2 Depot Plaza Suite, Bedford Hills, NY , phone: 914-666-8500
The Preppy Turtle is a consignment boutique that serves the needs of women and children looking for clothing at bargain prices. The Preppy Turtle buys and sells clothing, shoes and handbags, as well as toys, books, and gift items for infants to teens. Toys, books, gift items, and certain non-seasonal clothing are accepted year round. The Preppy Turtle features a mix of new and barely used items. If you are interested in donating clothing items make sure to check out their Consignment Calendar on the Homepage as they only season items during a specific date range.

Image Source: LED World

​Organizing can be a great way to clean up your home without purging. You can check out Real Simple or Pinterest for great organization ideas or you may want to consider bringing in some help.

If you would like to hire an expert, check out Let's Sort It Out, who can transform your home into a more functional, relaxed, organized space. You can also find a number of other local organizers in our Directory in the "Organizing and Interior Design" sub-category. 

If you are looking for a total playroom makeover, check out Learnique's Design-to-Learn service. They can help you to create livable, learnable spaces for your family at home. Design-to-Learn combines interior design principles and organizational systems with a full understanding of child development. The results are learning spaces uniquely inspired and fun for the whole family. 

Okay, so this one sounds pretty obvious. But a little elbow grease and some clorox can go a big way. Cleaning encompasses a lot of things, everything from standard house cleaning, to season carpet or furniture steam cleaning, outdoor power washing, window cleaning, car washing & detailing and more.

If you're not up for doing all of this work yourself, check out some of the local services in our Directory in the "Cleaning" sub-category or Submit a Request. Hint: when submitting a request, try putting in your budget and desired date to find available local businesses who can work within your timing and budget. Goodbye cobwebs, crumbs and stains! 

Let's face it, sometimes things are just junk. Broken, torn or simply worn out. If that is the case and you have something big you want disposed of you may need some help. If you want to hire someone, there are plenty of handymen and junk removal companies in our Directory in the "Moving" or "Contracting, Renovation, Home Repair" sub-categories. Or of course, Submit a Request. Sure beats carrying it all yourself!

Wishing all of our readers a happy spring! 

The holidays are a great time of year to be thankful for the things you have and to help those less fortunate. Donating or volunteering is an excellent way to give back to those in need and bring them some holiday cheer. If you are feeling generous this holiday season, here are 10 ways you can make a difference in Westchester County, NY. 

1. Participate in #Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving on Tuesday, November 29th. To find a list of local organizations, charities, events and more in Westchester visit their website and learn more in this video.
​

2. Everyone deserves a delicious Thanksgiving or holiday meal. Help the Food Bank for Westchester this holiday season by pledging to feed families. Your support can help feed 1,000 families with a holiday meal. You can get others involved and really make a difference. Find out more on their website.

6. Donate to the Salvation Army of Greater New York. You can take part in their Red Box campaign and provide "Christmas in a box" to families in need. You can also volunteer to provide holiday meals, participate in theirAngel Tree Program or give online.
​

To learn more about other non profit organizations that assist families in Westchester visit our Give Back page. Wishing everyone a happy and warm holiday season!

You may also be interested in: