5,355 Donations Collected
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of New York’s annual statewide donation drive to benefit families in need across the state. Donations of new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies were collected to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season.
“As we near the holidays, we are eager to distribute these gifts throughout the state,” Governor Hochul said. “I want to thank those who donated to make this drive a success; because of your generosity, families across New York will be able to have a happy holiday. After hardship exacerbated by the pandemic, these gifts will make all the difference to those in need this season.”
Through drop-off locations set up by the Office of General Services, shipped donations received at Empire State Plaza, and other outlets, 5,355 donations were made, which will be distributed to families in underserved communities throughout New York State. 1,300 toys were donated through drop boxes. The China General Chamber of Commerce donated 755 toys and United Way of New York State donated 4,055 toys with a regional breakdown of:
Upstate United Ways: 3,299 gifts total
- UW of Adirondack: 1200 gifts
- UW of Tompkins: 708 gifts
- UW of Cortland: 410 gifts
- UW of Broome: 631 gifts
- UW of Greater Cap: 350 gifts
United Way of NYC: 756 gifts total
Office of General Services Acting Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “In this season of giving, OGS is proud to support this year’s New York State Holiday Toy, Coat, and School Supply Drive. I join Governor Hochul in thanking all those who made a donation to this important cause. Their generosity and compassion will help spread joy and the holiday spirit to communities where it is most needed.”
Chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce Foundation and President & CEO of Bank of China USA Chen Xu said, “With great challenges we all faced this year, these toys are one of our ways of spreading optimism and giving back to the community. CGCC Foundation is proud to be working with the governor’s office for this charity initiative.”
Interim CEO of United Way of New York State Keith Barsuhn said, “United Way of New York State is proud to partner with Governor Hochul and Wal-Mart to convert the funds and distribute the toys that brighten the spirit of children less fortunate. Thanks to our strong network of local United Ways and their relationships with service providers, along with our 211NY helpline system, we have the tools needed to know where children and families are most in need, just as we demonstrated during the height of the pandemic.”