Boxes of food, toys, coats, and school supplies piled up across New York this holiday season — and they’re now headed to families who need them most.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Dec. 24 that the state’s annual Holiday Food, Toy, Coat and School Supply Drive has wrapped up, collecting thousands of donations for nonprofits statewide.
The drive gathered 4,298 donated items and 2,250 pounds of food, all set for distribution through community organizations from New York City to the North Country.
“When times are tough, New Yorkers show up for each other with a generosity and giving spirit that is unmatched,” Hochul said. “I’m proud of every New Yorker who contributed to this year’s holiday drive.”
She said state agencies are now delivering the donated items to help bring “warmth and joy to families across New York State” during the holidays.
The statewide effort collected non-perishable food, new unwrapped toys, new or gently used coats, and new school supplies.
The Office of General Services and the Department of Transportation coordinated collection and delivery.
OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy thanked donors and state workers for helping brighten the season across the state. DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said the donations will make a real difference, from “toys under the Christmas tree” to “coats to brave the elements of winter.”
DOT transported donations from state offices in New York City, Utica, Hornell, Syracuse, Watertown, Buffalo, Rochester, and Binghamton.
This year’s donations included:
- Food: 2,250 pounds
- Toys: 1,880
- Coats and jackets: 341
- School supplies: 510
- Miscellaneous apparel: 1,567
The Compassion Coalition in Utica alone donated 1,295 pajamas and toys.
Donations are going to dozens of community groups, including United Way of the Greater Capital Region, Project Hospitality in New York City, Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo, Family Services of Poughkeepsie, and organizations serving the Mohawk Valley, Finger Lakes, Long Island, and beyond.
State officials say the annual drive depends on everyday New Yorkers and state employees who give year after year.
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