Watch the full News Conference Here.
November 16, 2018 - Helping to spread some holiday cheer to children who are in need, Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced 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 (DSS), takes place each year to ensure that all of Westchester County’s foster children have a gift to open for the holidays.
Latimer said: "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."
Commissioner of the Department of Social Services Kevin McGuire said: “For the kids in foster care, homeless services programs and other sites, the holidays can be very sad and lonely, and your donation or gift can make all the difference in their day and the season ahead. As always, thank you for your generosity and support, and for those interested in giving the gift of your love and family as foster and/or adoptive parents, you can reach out to United Way’s 2-1-1 line for more information about how to begin that journey!”
Barbara Sabater, Program Coordinator of Constituent Affairs at DSS, started the Holiday Gift Drive back in 2005.
Sabater said: “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.”
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 from November 19 through December 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 or (914) 995-1937.
Collection bins will be placed on the first floor of the Westchester County Office Building at 148 Martine Avenue on November 19. 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