As the holidays and cold winter weather descend upon New York, the needs of those facing difficult economic conditions become particularly accentuated and salient. Often, the generosity, kindness and goodwill of the community are the difference between having one’s basic needs met or not, and I am extremely proud of the efforts I have seen both here and in the rest of the state during my time serving the people of New York.

New Yorkers have a tremendous capacity to give. In recent years, I have had the honor to participate and see this generosity firsthand during the annual “Tithe My Shoes” and “Stockings for Veterans” charity drives, both of which provide a tremendous service to those facing challenging times during the holiday season. This year, I am hopeful we can exceed the lofty standards these annual drives have set in recent years. Working together, I am certain we will deliver even greater results this season.

The fourth annual “Stockings for Veterans” drive is a great way to support our military community and show our gratitude for those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Items like winter clothing, non-perishable food and board games will be collected through Monday, Dec. 18 ahead of being donated to the VA Medical Center in Syracuse. Donated items can be brought to:

• Leader Barclay’s District Office, 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069;
• Oswego County Clerk, 46 E. Bridge St., Oswego, NY 13126;
• The Fulton DMV, 200 North 2nd St., Fulton, NY 13069;
• The Oswego DMV, 384 E. River Rd., Oswego, NY 13126;
• The Pulaski DMV, 2 Broad St., Pulaski, NY 13142; and
• Carpenters Local 277, 6920 Princeton Ct., Syracuse, NY 13212.

Additionally, I am once again participating in the “Tithe My Shoes” charity drive that helps provide boots and shoes for children and others who may not be able to obtain them otherwise. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the campaign led by former Central Square Mayor and Executive Director of the Oswego County Conference of Mayors, Millard “Mudd” Murphy. Drop sites for new or gently worn shoes include my above-listed office as well as these additional locations:

• SUNY Oswego, Marano Campus Center, 109 Campus Ctr., Oswego, NY 13126. Bin is located next to the Information/Welcome desk, across the hall from the College Store and the Box Office;
• City Hall, City of Oswego, 13 West Oneida St., Oswego, NY 13126;
• Central Square Community Church, 833 U.S. Rt. 11, Central Square, NY 13036, Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.;
• Pulaski Village Office, 4917 Jefferson St., Pulaski, NY 13142;
• Fulton City Hall, 141 South First St., Fulton, NY 13069;
• Phoenix Village Office, 455 Main St., Phoenix, NY 13135;
• Central Square Clerk Office, 3125 East Ave., Central Square, NY 13036;
• Town of Mexico Town Clerk Office, 64 S. Jefferson St., Mexico, NY 13114;
• Trinity Episcopal Church, 1492 NY-49, Constantia, NY 13044;
• Cleveland Village Hall, 2 Clay St., Cleveland, NY 13042; and
• Parish Municipal Office, 2938 E. Main St., Parish, NY 13131.

For this drive, please deliver the donations by Friday, Dec. 8 to allow time for any needed repairs as Murphy has again teamed up with Ralph Rotella, owner of the Discount Shoe Repair store in Syracuse, who has generously donated his time to make sure all the donations look good and function properly.  
There is no shortage of opportunities to give this holiday season. Local churches, food pantries, Salvation Army centers and many other great charities are always looking for help and contributions. And for those who may not have a ton of disposable income but still want to give back, many of these organizations could use some volunteers to help organize and deliver their services. New Yorkers have shown generation after generation their compassion and thoughtfulness; I look forward to seeing those traditions continue this December and beyond.