Traditionally, the holiday season is marked by thoughts of giving. Yet for many children the focus is on getting. Sharing often has to be taught. The good news is giving is a behavior that can be cultivated and celebrated. Let your children know that their actions can make a difference in the lives of their neighbors and then help them take action.
Here are a few ways your family might help others this holiday season and in doing so help yourself to some true holiday cheer.
A good night
The Pajama Program, a national nonprofit with roots right here in Westchester, kicked off the start of the holiday season with its annual fundraiser, Good Nights, Westchester! to support children in the community. The nonprofit has a goal to deliver 5,000 good nights to local children who may not have the tools to transform their bedtime.
The students at The Ursuline School supported the campaign by hosting a pep rally to collect new pajamas and books for children in the community.
Since 2001 Westchester resident Genevieve Piturro, founder of the Pajama Program, has been helping children to get a good night’s sleep. Inspired by a little girl in a shelter who admitted she didn’t know what pajamas were, Piturro has been distributing new pajamas and books throughout the country. The nonprofit program works diligently to get new, warm pajamas and books to the children in need. “The January, February, and March time period when the weather gets colder is especially important,” says Piturro, making the giving of pajamas and books or a financial contribution during the holiday season especially timely. While the organization receives many donations for young kids, Piturro asks us to remember tweens and teens when making our donations. “We serve many older children in Westchester and they would love pajamas and age appropriate books to read. “Pajamas in larger sizes and any Harry Potter book is always welcome,” says Piturro.
The Pajama Program
171 Madison Ave., Suite 1409
New York, N.Y.
212-716-9757
A dry bottom
Just as important as nighttime duds are the basic need for diapers that many low-income families struggle to purchase. The Westchester County Diaper Bank run by the Junior League of Central Westchester tries to help fill this need. Your family can help by donating diapers of all sizes, types, and brands from newborn to toddlers. Even open packages are accepted! Know that the greatest need is for larger sizes (5-6 and pull-ups). Baby wipes are also always in need and are accepted too. All items can be taken to the drop off location at Wayside Cottage, 1039 Post Road in Scarsdale.
Junior League Of Central Westchester
1039 Post Road, Scarsdale
914-723-6130
A happy birthday
Young children know how important birthdays are, and they enjoy celebrating their own and others. This year, to celebrate their 70th anniversary, Volunteer New York! has implemented a new program called Make a Celebration Box for Youth, Seniors or Veterans. This is how it works: with your family pick a group to support (children, veterans, or seniors), then wrap a cereal box in birthday or colorful non-seasonal wrapping paper. Next, fill the box with a few small items and activities appropriate to your group. Be sure to add a handmade birthday card! Deliver the boxes to Volunteer New York! and they will distribute them to their partner organizations. Contact Patti Colombo at Volunteer New York! for further details on how and when to participate.
Volunteer New York!
220 White Plains Road, Tarrytown
914-948-4452
A full tummy
Believe it or not, Westchester County has 200,000 people who are at risk of hunger or are facing food insecurity. 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. Feeding Westchester can use your time, funds or donations of food to help those in need. In fact, families and children are welcome to volunteer. Feeding Westchester is the heart of a network of more than 300 partners who work to source and distribute food, and other resources, to towns across Westchester helping to ensure that none of our neighbors are hungry. The Feeding Westchester website lists what items are most in need and how you can volunteer. Support the 2019 Feed a Family campaign and every $25 you give provides a complete holiday meal for a family struggling with hunger. Some businesses are stepping up to help too.
Feeding Westchester
200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford
914-923-1100
A 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. 16 at more than 100 locations in the county. See website for a complete list of donation sites. Many local businesses are helping out by serving as collection sites and making their own donations helping to make every child’s holiday bright.
Toys for Tots
Westchester County
P.O. Box 1207, White Plains
A furry friend
Children are especially drawn to animals and what better way to teach care and compassion than making a donation of funds or items to a local center. Kids might like to shop with you for toys for the animals or other necessary items. Contact the shelters to find out more about their immediate needs.
SPCA of Westchester
590 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor
914-941-2896
Humane Society of Westchester
70 Portman Road, New Rochelle
914-632-2925
human
Mt. Vernon Animal Shelter,
600 Garden Ave., Mount Vernon
914-665-2444