The holiday season is often filled with great company, food and fun wintertime activities in our many amazing communities. But sometimes economic uncertainty, health-related challenges or other unforeseen circumstances can make the winter months difficult on families and individuals. It is in response to these instances I am proud to say I have seen enormous generosity and compassion from New Yorkers across the state, and that was especially the case this season.

In my district, two programs I was thrilled to be able to support—the third annual “Stockings for Veterans” collection, which ends today, and ninth annual “Tithe My Shoes” drive—helped countless individuals have a brighter holiday season.

The “Stockings for Veterans” drive encourages residents to collect personal-care items for veterans who are forced to spend the Christmas holiday at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse. It is also a chance to restock much-needed supplies for the medical center that can be distributed to veterans at the hospital throughout the year.

The “Tithe My Shoes” drive is organized by former Central Square Mayor and Executive Director of the Oswego County Conference of Mayors Millard “Mudd” Murphy. The drive allows residents to donate lightly-worn shoes, which are then cleaned and repaired by Ralph Rotella, owner of Discount Shoe Repair in Syracuse, to be delivered to the Rescue Mission. This year, both efforts were resounding successes, and I am proud to report this collaborative effort yielded more than 34,000 donations. Thank you to the many people who took the time to donate shoes or made a special trip to the store or made cards for the veterans who have done so much for our country. We know it is deeply appreciated by the recipients.

In recent weeks, it was truly remarkable to see New Yorkers’ spirit of generosity manifest itself. It’s no secret that economic challenges have been particularly prevalent in 2022, but that did not stop New Yorkers in my community and beyond from finding ways to contribute. Across New York we have seen tons of food bank donations, volunteerism and contributions to groups and organizations dedicated to helping the less fortunate.

For information about some of these organizations and their charitable efforts, visit here. No donation is insignificant, and every contribution helps. There are lots of reasons to be proud to be a New Yorker, but watching people selflessly help each other during the holiday season is very high on that list.