Each holiday season provides the opportunity for communities to come together for the greater good, and this year was no different. While many may feel overwhelmed checking items off their holiday shopping lists, the spirit of giving consistently rises above the rush to buy more and do more. Looking toward the start of a new year doesn’t mean our sense of generosity should disappear. In fact, the winter months are often when people need support the most. It is my hope that we continue to show up for others with that same heart for service.

Right here in Oswego, I was fortunate to be a part of our annual “Stockings for Veterans” and “Tithe My Shoes” charity drives. Through the Stockings for Veterans initiative, residents donated essential personal care items to ensure local veterans felt supported and remembered during the holiday season. It was a tremendous success—hundreds of items were collected, and none of it would be possible without the generosity of our community partners, including the Oswego County Clerk’s Office, Mexico Central School District, Town of Sterling, Central Square Library, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Beyond this effort, the Tithe My Shoes initiative once again delivered meaningful support to individuals and families in need. The annual drive, led by Millard “Mudd” Murphy, former mayor of Central Square and executive director of the Oswego County Conference of Mayors, brought together volunteers and donors from across the region with a shared commitment to helping others. Each year, Ralph Rotella’s Discount Shoe Repair plays an essential role in restoring and repairing the donated footwear. This year alone, the initiative collected a record-breaking 45,201 pairs of shoes, including more than 1,300 pairs from Oswego County. Giving may be simple, but its impact is profound, and witnessing this level of generosity serves as a powerful reminder of the good that exists across our state and why I am proud to call New York home.

As we move beyond the holiday season, it is critical that we carry this momentum forward—because the need is real and ongoing. A 2022 report showed that poverty rates in New York continue to surpass the national average. The need for support does not end when the decorations come down, and even the smallest act of giving can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s donating a single item, volunteering time or simply checking in on a neighbor, no contribution is too big or too small when it comes from a place of compassion.

Holidays are often hectic, and it’s easy to overlook opportunities to give. But when we commit to showing up for one another year-round, we strengthen the bonds that make our neighborhoods and our state so special. This shared dedication to kindness and service defines who we are, builds stronger and more resilient communities, and helps ensure no one is left behind—long after the holiday season has passed.