Syracuse Sun

As the holiday season nears, various opportunities for giving back to the community are available in Syracuse and Central New York. Several local organizations have initiated programs to support those in need during this festive period.

PEACE, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving nearly 10,000 clients in Syracuse and surrounding areas, offers the "Give-A-Holiday" program. This initiative allows individuals and groups to provide gifts for families through gift baskets or monetary donations. PEACE, Inc. will collect baskets on campus on December 16th, with additional drop-off times at their Eastwood Community Center on December 13th and 16th. For more information, contact them at 315.634.3740 or giveaholiday@peace-caa.org.

The United Way of Central New York is conducting its CNY Care Package Project aiming to create 1,000 care packages for people in need this year. Donations can be made by purchasing personal care items at Wegmans stores or online via an Amazon wish list or monetary contributions at cnycarepackage.com.

The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area continues its efforts with annual holiday programs like "Gifts for Teens," which provides gifts to over 1,200 teens each year. Donations up to $25,000 will be matched by The Hayner Hoyt Corporation. Additionally, volunteers can participate in bell ringing at one of the 24 Red Kettle locations across Onondaga County until Christmas Eve. For further details, reach out to Deanna Delmonico at 315.479.1162 or deanna.delmonico@use.salvationarmy.org.

InterFaith Works supports vulnerable populations including refugees through their End-of-Year Gift Baskets initiative. Donors are encouraged to contribute gift baskets containing items such as gift cards, food items, warm clothing accessories, personal care products, and fun activities for families served by the organization. Baskets should be delivered by December 13th to their offices located on James Street in Syracuse. Contact Rhonda Butler at 315.449.3552 ext. 127 or rbutler@ifwcny.org for more information.

These initiatives present opportunities for residents of Syracuse University and surrounding areas to contribute positively during the holiday season.