As the year draws to a close, our community has once again distinguished itself in the kindness and generosity it’s demonstrated this holiday season. Through acts of charity, volunteering or offering a helping hand, the collective efforts have made a real impact. It is inspiring to see how people come together to support one another in times of need. This is what the Christmas season is all about.

Each year, I am honored to partner with local leaders and organizations on projects like the “Tithe My Shoes” and “Stockings For Veterans” charity drives. For many in our area, participating in these efforts has become a holiday tradition, allowing donations to grow each year.

The “Tithe My Shoe” drive provides footwear to children and families who might otherwise go without. This year, the regional drive collected a record-setting 43,120 pairs of shoes, surpassing last year’s total of 38,841 pairs. “Tithe My Shoes” is spearheaded locally by Millard “Mudd” Murphy, the former mayor of Central Square, and this year Mudd delivered more than 900 pairs of shoes from Oswego County to Ralph Rotella, the owner of the Discount Shoe Repair shop. Ralph generously donates his time and expertise to handling the shoe repairs and seeing that these shoes get out to those in need through the Rescue Mission and others. This program has become a heartwarming tradition that continues to inspire others to give back.

In partnership with the VA Medical Center in Syracuse, the “Stockings for Veterans” drive is another vital program that supports those who have served our country. This initiative provides care packages and essential items to veterans in need, ensuring they feel appreciated and remembered during the holiday season. It’s just a small way to honor those who have served our country. I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the teachers and students at Mexico High School and Middle School for their contributions to this effort, the Fulton Lion’s Club, which adopted this drive as a club project and a special thank you to my partner in government, Oswego County Clerk Terry Wilbur and his staff, who helped make this drive a success. Thanks to everyone’s support, we were able to deliver essential items to veterans, which was only made possible because of your kindness.The handwritten cards and stockings the kids crafted are invaluable to the veterans in the hospital. As we look ahead to 2025, efforts like these serve as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when people come together in generosity and a shared commitment to positive change.

As we celebrate this holiday season, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who supports charitable work in serving the people of New York. From local leaders devoted to uplifting their communities to my colleagues in the Legislature and the dedicated staff who give their best every day, your commitment matters and makes a difference. Thank you for everything you do, and may this holiday season bring you abundant blessings and joy.