​Westchester Announces Holiday Gift Drive

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Helping to spread some holiday cheer to children who are in need, Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced Thursday that county is now accepting new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children this holiday season. The Holiday Gift and Toy Drive, which is being run through the Department of Social Services, takes place each year to ensure that all of Westchester County’s foster children have a gift to open for the holidays.

Latimer said that the Holiday Gift and Toy Drive embodies what the holiday season is all about: giving back to those who are less fortunate than you.

"For so many of these kids, your donation is the only gift they get to open. I am encouraging everyone who can to please find it in their hearts to donate, and help brighten a child's holiday," he said.

Barbara Sabater, program coordinator of constituent affairs at DSS, started the Holiday Gift Drive back in 2005.

“Kids go through so much that they shouldn’t have to go through, and Christmas should be a happy memory for everyone. I had been in child welfare for my whole career, and would go into homes where kids had absolutely nothing. It was great to know that I was helping to make a difference by giving them an ounce of joy for the holiday,” she said.

DSS is also accepting gift cards and monetary donations, in addition to new, unwrapped gifts. Toys and gifts are requested for a variety of ages, from newborn up to age 21. The department is also running its “Wish List” program, which asks every child in the foster care system to request their top three gifts for the holidays.

The drive will run through Friday, Dec. 14.

All donations should be made out to the Westchester Child Welfare Holiday Fund. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation should contact Barbara Sabater at bms7@westchestergov.com or 914-995-1937.

Collection bins will be placed on the first floor of the Westchester County Office Building at 148 Martine Ave. in White Plains.

Other collection locations include the DSS District Offices located at:

Central Office
112 East Post Road, White Plains

Mount Vernon District Office
100 East First Street, Mount Vernon

Peekskill District Office
750 Washington Street, Peekskill

White Plains District Office
85 Court Street, White Plains

Yonkers District Office
131 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers

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Photo credit: Ashley Ludwig/Patch.