11/04/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/04/2025 10:30
Annual Holiday Drive Expanded To Include Food Donations for New Yorkers as Trump Administration Attempts to Unlawfully Withhold SNAP Benefits
Non-Perishable Food Items Will Be Collected and Distributed Ahead of Thanksgiving
Donations of Food, Toys, School Supplies and Coats Will Be Accepted Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 5
Shipped Packages Can Be Delivered to the Empire State Plaza
Holiday Drive Information Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York's annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need across New York is underway as of Saturday, Nov. 1. Donations of new, unwrapped toys, coats, school supplies and non-perishable food items are being sought to support community-based organizations that assist New Yorkers during the holiday giving season. This year's holiday drive has been expanded to include food donations for New York families in the wake of the Trump administration's unlawful attempts to withhold federally-funded SNAP benefits - the largest and most effective anti-hunger program in the nation that helps feed nearly three million New Yorkers each month, most of whom are older adults, disabled or children.
"Generosity is a core value of the holiday season. New York's statewide Toy and Coat Drive offers an opportunity to give back to our communities when it's needed most," Governor Hochul said. "I encourage all New Yorkers to consider donating to share hope, happiness, warmth and holiday cheer with children and families in need."
The New York State Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations across the state for businesses and individuals to donate new, unwrapped toys, coats, school supplies and non-perishable food items, which will be given to families in underserved communities throughout New York.
Toys, coats, school supplies and non-perishable food donations will be collected at most drop-off locations from November 1 through December 5. Donations, both shipped and dropped off, will be accepted at the Empire State Plaza until December 15. Food collected between November 1 and the week before Thanksgiving will be distributed in time for the holiday.
The drop-off locations are as follows:
Capital Region
Central New York
Finger Lakes
Long Island
Mid-Hudson
Mohawk Valley
New York City
North Country
Southern Tier
Western New York
Packages ordered online can be shipped to the following location:
Empire State Plaza
P1 South Dock J
Albany, New York 12242
NYS Holiday Drive