Local Charities in Poughkeepsie Offer Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season
Students Isabella Cipollo '28 and Ella Montes de Oca '28 teamed up to shop for Dutchess Outreach's most recent food drive with Marist sorority Tri Sigma. Photo by Isabella Cometti '26
With the holiday season in full swing, there are many ways to give back to the Hudson Valley community. Many local nonprofits and organizations in the Poughkeepsie area have programs aimed at helping families and children during one of the busiest times of the year. From collecting cans for a food pantry to donating money, every gesture can have a positive impact.
The Giving Tree
Want to help the community but not sure where to start? Take a quick walk around campus and find Giving Trees sponsored by the Department of Spiritual Life & Service. A tradition at Marist for over 30 years, the Giving Trees feature ornaments with requested items from 35 local families and children. Take an ornament, wrap the gift, and return it to the Chapel by Dec. 7.
Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie
Supporting children and families in the Poughkeepsie area every year, this 178-year-old organization provides important residential services and community programs to at-risk youth in the area.
“Many of the youth we serve are teens who are at risk or have experienced trafficking, as well as refugees seeking safety and reunification with family in the U.S.,” said Kate Guinan, Communications Manager at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie.
“Our Holiday Wish program brings the warmth and spirit of the season directly to the youth in our residential care, as well as to the children and families we support across our community-based programs,” she added.
The Children’s Home builds a personalized wish list for their Holiday Wish program every year to reflect the interests and identities of those currently seeking services from the organization. By purchasing items from this list, the community can help ease the pressure of gift-giving and financial burden from families and teens facing difficult circumstances.
In addition to their residential program, the Children’s Home helps grant holiday wishes for families in their community programs who are coping with mental health challenges, parenting pressure and the struggle to meet basic needs.
“The Holiday Wish program personalizes lists for these families and provides critical support at a time of year that can feel especially overwhelming and stressful,” said Guinan. “Fulfilling wishes helps ease their financial strain, brings moments of joy, and gives them hope throughout the holidays and beyond.”
Dutchess Outreach - Clothing Drive & Food Donations
In coordination with Marist’s Greek Council, Dutchess Outreach is hosting a Clothing Drive for students to donate clean, gently used basics, warm layers and accessories for the local community. Clothing drop-off boxes are located at the Student Activities Office as well as in Fox Run at Fulton and will be accepted until Dec. 10. In addition to clothing donations, Dutchess Outreach is always in need of food or personal hygiene products, as many Poughkeepsie residents rely on this organization for these items.
As a nonprofit focused on providing services to victims of domestic violence and their families, the Grace Smith House has helped hundreds of people from the Hudson Valley area find shelter and safety in times of need. This holiday season, consider taking advantage of their many donation opportunities, such as Adopting a Family with your friends or buying needed items off their Amazon wishlist.
Founded in 2016, Angels of Light assists children and families in the Hudson Valley whose lives have been altered due to accidents, loss of life or life-threatening illness. The organization’s work helps to pay medical bills, provide meals, and support these families in need.
“Each holiday season, we coordinate the shopping, wrapping, and delivery of gifts for over 100 families in the Hudson Valley,” said Madison Kiggins, an employee at Angels of Light.
“Every child in the household provides a wishlist, and through the generosity of our amazing community, each family is fully adopted and every child receives gifts chosen just for them,” Kiggins added.
There are many ways to donate to Angels of Light this year, with opportunities to “Adopt a Family,” send a one-time or recurring donation or purchase items from their Amazon wishlist or one of their Giving Trees located at various local businesses.
As finals approach and winter break is on your mind, it's easy to get caught up in the stress and business of the season. Giving back through a small donation or a thoughtful gift can bring about happiness to another family or child this holiday.
These community organizations and nonprofits play a vital role in supporting the Poughkeepsie and surrounding area, so consider how a small act of kindness can go a long way in making someone’s day this holiday season.