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.
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1. Donate locally with Volunteer New York.
This has been a long year, but it's not over. Giving back in whatever way we can helps strengthen the bonds of our community while providing much-needed compassion and resources to those in need. Volunteer New York provides tons of opportunities to help in person, from home or virtually. This includes things like donating diapers and wipes, assembling & donating food bags for the hungry and volunteering at a nearby food pantry. |
2. Participate in #Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity that will take place on December 1, 2020.
People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during GivingTuesday—whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, every act of generosity counts. GivingTuesday emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection and kindness even while practicing physical distancing. |
3. Help Feeding Westchester feed our local children and families in need during this critical time.
Did you know that 60,000 children in Westchester County live in poverty low enough to federally qualify them to receive free or reduced-price school lunch? This is equivalent to one out of every three school children in the county — a staggering statistic. And school meals may be the only meals these children eat. Many go hungry over the weekend and when school is not in session. Help feed those in need by making a food donation or giving a monetary donation, |
4. Donate gifts without having to leave your house to Toys for Tots Westchester.
Toys for Tots Westchester has redefined gift giving this year to ensure health and safely during the pandemic. First, they have partnered with You Give Goods. Simply purchase a gift on their website and they will ship your toy donation directly to Toys for Tots. Second, you can purchase directly from the Toys for Tots Amazon Wish List. Again, items purchased from the list are shipped directly to Toys for Tots Westchester. These items can be purchased until December 19th. If you prefer to give a monetary donation, you can do so online. Donations are given to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity. Donations are recognized as deductible for tax purposes. Donations are accepted year round and used to purchase toys where they have shortfalls. |
5. Partner with FSW Westchester to Adopt a Family for the Holidays.
FSW’s annual Adopt a Family gift drive makes the holidays brighter for Westchester families who are unable to buy essentials and gifts this holiday season. The holidays can be an extremely difficult time of year for families and children who have been struggling. Their Adopt a Family drive provides families in need with the holiday of their dreams. They have witnessed families break into tears of joy and disbelief when they have been chosen. The program staff personally delivers the items to each family. It is an amazing experience to witness and be a part of. If interested, please contact Shellese Dixon-Rawls at (914) 738-1728 EXT 29, (914) 419-3587 or [email protected]. |
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