Friday, November 13, 2026
The holiday season is a time for giving, and even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference. Whether it’s donating warm clothing and toys, supporting local food drives and animal shelters, or reaching out to those spending the holidays alone, Baldwin residents have plenty of ways to spread a little extra holiday cheer.
Donating warm clothes
As temperatures drop, donating clothing can provide warmth and comfort to neighbors in need. Winter essentials such as coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves and snow pants are especially valuable. Before donating, make sure clothing is clean, odor-free and free of significant rips, deep stains or broken zippers.
Homeless shelters, nonprofits such as Bethany House and local thrift stores are all options for clothing donations. Baldwin residents can also donate to the Salvation Army. The nearest drop-off location is Hempstead Adult Rehabilitation Center, at 194 Front St.
Salvation Army thrift store donations provide affordable goods to families while funding the Hempstead Adult Rehabilitation Center’s six- to 12-month recovery program. Thrift store income is the center’s sole source of funding, according to Sophia Arian, the organization’s public relations manager.
“Our Thrift Stores offer low prices on clothing, shoes, furniture and other household items, helping families stretch their budgets with quality new and gently used merchandise,” Arian said. “As winter approaches, demand for warm clothing and footwear is high.”
St. Christopher’s Church is also collecting winter jackets, with collection boxes located throughout the church’s interior.
Donating toys
For many children, receiving a gift during the holidays is something they anticipate all year. However, not every family can afford presents. Donating a new toy can help bring joy to a child’s world.
Two programs that make giving easier are The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots.
Through its partnership with Walmart, Angel Tree provides toys and clothing to children in need. Donors can select Angel Tree tags from participating Walmart or Sam’s Club locations, purchase the requested gifts and return the unwrapped presents to designated collection bins. Gifts can also be purchased online through Walmart’s Spark Good Registry.
The Nassau County Toys for Tots campaign distributed 269,459 toys to 75,000 children in 2025. Residents can donate new, unwrapped toys at Empire Nutrition, at 686 Stewart Ave. in Garden City by Dec. 19.
The 16th annual Martino Auto Concepts Toy Drive is scheduled for Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon, at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale. Additional information is available through the Nassau County Toys for Tots campaign website.
Donating food
The holidays can bring additional financial challenges for families, particularly for those facing food insecurity.
Long Island Cares’ annual Gather & Give Holiday Food Drive offers opportunities to donate food, volunteer to pack holiday meal boxes or organize community food collections.
The organization provides a Holiday Shopping List featuring requested items such as canned vegetables, stuffing and gravy. A multicultural shopping list, encouraging donations that reflect the diverse cultures and holiday traditions of Long Island residents is also offered. Items include canned corn, minced garlic, long-grain rice, condensed milk and adobo seasoning. The organization asks donors to avoid donating items in glass containers.
“The need is great all year round, but it kind of intensifies during the holiday season,” said Peter Crescenti, media relations for Long Island Cares. “Volunteers at Long Island Cares are so crucial at this time of year.”
Residents can bring donations to designated Long Island Cares drop-off locations, including the Nassau Center for Collaborative Assistance at 21 E. Sunrise Highway in Freeport.
Additional shopping list options and drop-off information is available at licares.org/holiday-food-drive.-food-drive.
Supporting animal shelters
Generosity can also extend to animals waiting for care, comfort and loving homes. As temperatures drop, shelters face ongoing expenses for food, bedding and medical care.
Donations of pet food, blankets, towels, toys, cleaning supplies, leashes, collars and litter can help shelters meet everyday needs. Monetary contributions and pet store gift cards can also allow shelters to purchase essential supplies.
Residents can inquire about volunteering to walk dogs, assist with daily care, transport animals or even open their homes to foster pets.
Nearby organizations include Bobbi and the Strays and Pets4Luv Foundation, both located in Freeport.
Lorraine Quinlan, board member and volunteer with Pets4Luv Foundation, emphasized the importance of remembering shelter animals during the holidays.
“Even the smallest gesture can make an extraordinary difference to an animal who has so little,” Quinlan said. “While our lives become busier during the holidays, their need for love and care remains just as great.”
Visiting children and the elderly
The holidays can be especially difficult for those separated from loved ones, including hospitalized children and seniors living in nursing homes.
A simple visit, conversation or thoughtful gesture can remind someone they are not forgotten. Bringing holiday cards, reading to residents or helping with seasonal celebrations are ways to make a difference.
For Baldwin residents looking to give back, nearby facilities include Mount Siani South Nassau, South Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Sunrise of North Lynbrook.
Community members interested in volunteering or visiting can contact these facilities to ask about holiday activities and visitation programs.
Before planning a visit, residents should confirm each facility’s visitation polices, including visitation hours, age restrictions and volunteer requirements. Some facilities may also have guidelines for bringing gifts, cards and other donated items.
