For children, the holiday season is often about getting, but what if you encourage them that giving is also an opportunity to get – as in getting a good feeling by helping others. Here are a few ways your family might help others this holiday season and in doing so help yourself to some true holiday cheer.
Holiday Goodness
Chocolate goodies are one of the pleasures of the holiday season. If you plan on giving sweets as gifts or if you’d like to serve them at your seasonal gathering, consider purchasing Greyston brownies or cookies. You’ll do more than satisfy a sweet tooth. Through open hiring, Greyston creates jobs and provides programs for impoverished individuals and their families to become self-sufficient. Meaning they not only make goodies, but also do good.
Greyston Bakery
104 Alexander Street
Yonkers
375-1510
A Full Tummy
Believe it or not there are hungry people in Westchester and many of them are children, seniors and the working poor. Food is needed year round, but the holidays are always a great time to give from the heart. The Food Bank for Westchester can use your time, funds or donations of food to help those in need. The Food Bank website lists what items are most in need.
Food Bank for Westchester
200 Clearbrook Road
Elmsford
923-1100
Home, Sweet Home
There are many families that lack proper beds, tables and chairs or somewhere to keep their clothing. A contribution to the Furniture Warehouse helps provide families and individuals with the essential household furnishings free of charge. You can donate funds, furniture or volunteer your time to help. Visit their website for donation guidelines. That side table or extra chair in your basement can help make life easier for someone in need.
Furniture Sharehouse
Building #3, Loop Road
Westchester County Airport
834-1294
The Gift of Play
Many children create elaborate toy wish lists during the holiday season and parents do their best to make their dreams come true. Yet, other children have little chance of getting any gift, never mind a toy. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program collects new unwrapped toys to distribute to needy children. Drop off a toy by Dec. 19 at more than 100 locations in the county. See website for a complete list of donation sites.
Toys for Tots
Westchester County P.O. Box 505,
White Plains
