Westchester County’s annual Holiday Gift Drive got underway recently kicking off with a special event at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains.
The drive runs through Monday, Dec. 16, collecting gifts and monetary donations to provide a brighter holiday for more than 1,000 children in Westchester who are in foster care, the homeless system and receiving other protective and preventive social services.
There are six drop box locations throughout Westchester, accessible during business hours, where new, unwrapped toys, appropriate for newborns through 21-year-olds can be donated. (Please, no stuffed animals or violent toys.)
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Nelson Mandela said, ‘There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.’ I’m asking the people of Westchester to join us in brightening the holiday for kids who need that brightening the most. For a child who may not have gotten a gift otherwise, that gift you donate does more than cheer them for a moment, it reinforces for them a message that there’s joy in the world, and that is the true message of the holiday season.”
Westchester County Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, or another celebration, every kid in Westchester deserves to feel excitement and love this holiday season. It’s especially important for kids who find themselves in tough family and financial circumstances. The Holiday Gift Drive is an opportunity to step up to the plate and deliver joy to these young people. Please join us in making sure that the most vulnerable kids in our county get the holiday they deserve.”
Westchester County Department of Social Services Commissioner Leonard G. Townes said: “Many children in Westchester find themselves separated from the things we take for granted during the holidays. The Gift Drive lets residents tangibly impact their lives for the better. For us it’s dropping a toy in a box. But for a child, opening that gift is a message that they are remembered and valued.”
Barbara Sabater, program coordinator of Constituent Affairs, Westchester County Departments of Social Services and founder of the Gift Drive said, “On behalf of all our kids, we are so appreciative of every single donation. Over the years we’ve also had generous donations from scout groups, school groups, religious groups, foundations and local businesses. Monetary donations are accepted in the form of gift cards, Zelle/cash or checks made payable to: “Westchester Child Welfare Holiday Fund.”
Donations may be mailed to: Barbara Sabater 112 E. Post Road, Room 637, White Plains, New York 10601
Electronic Donations: Zelle ID email: WCDSSHolidayGiftDrive@gmail.com
For questions contact Barbara Sabater at bms7@WestchesterCountyNY.gov or call (914) 995-1937
