The holiday season has arrived! With Thanksgiving over, and now Christmas and the new year on the way, now is a great time to get into the holiday spirit by donating to families in need throughout our 98th Assembly District.

My team and I have compiled the following list of donation drives and holiday programs happening in Orange County and Rockland County this year. I encourage everyone to take a look and participate in a drive or program near you!

Donating food and essentials:

• Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. is holding its annual Meals Donation Drive to provide holiday food baskets to those in need. For more information, please visit their official website.
• The Orange County Office for the Aging is inviting New Yorkers to take part in its “Adopt-A-Senior” program. This program runs through Dec. 5, 2025, and invites residents to donate grocery, pharmacy or gas gift cards, as well as toiletries or even money to seniors in need in our community.

Donating clothing:

• New York Cares is holding its annual Coat Drive, accepting gently used warm winter coats for those in need. For more information and to find drop-off locations near you, please visit their official website.

Donating toys and gifts:

• Fearless! Hudson Valley is encouraging New Yorkers to participate in their Holiday Gift Program for individuals and families in Orange and Sullivan counties affected and displaced by interpersonal violence and trafficking. To learn more about their mission and this program, please visit their official website. 
• The Village of Otisville is collecting toys for its annual Operation Toy Train. Toys collected on this train benefit the local Toys for Military Tots Toy Drive. If you wish to participate, new unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Village Hall, 66 Highland Ave., Otisville, NY 10963, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at the Patriot Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, or at the Mount Hope Seniors 2025 Holiday Luncheon at The Erie Trackside on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.
• Rockland County is holding its 9th Annual Toy and Children’s Clothing Drive from Nov. 24, 2025, through Dec. 19, 2025. To view the list of drop-off locations and for more information in general, please visit Rockland County government’s official Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/rocklandgov/photos/-help-us-make-the-season-brighter-this-holiday-season-beginning-november-24th-we/1461342885560751/.

 Every donation makes a difference. I wish everyone a safe, warm and happy holiday season!