(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – December 9, 2020) SUNY Empire State College and the United Way are partnering to host four concurrent community toy drives in Albany, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, and Selden, to bring holiday cheer to children and their families.

Many in our communities are experiencing economic hardships and increased financial strains due to COVID-19, and more families are in need. Toys collected in the Capital Region will be gifted to the Franklin Community Center, while donations in Rochester will be distributed to the Rochester Childfirst Network, and in Selden, to the Hispanic Brotherhood. A complete list of suggested gifts is available here.

On December 9, between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., volunteers at all four drop-off sites will accept new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Donors are asked to simply drive up, and a volunteer - masked and adhering to social distancing guidelines - will collect gift at the following locations:

• 1 United Way, Albany
• 111-113 West Ave., Saratoga Springs
• 680 Westfall Road, Rochester
• 407 College Road, Selden

“SUNY Empire State College is grateful for the good work United Way does throughout the year, and our shared hope is to bring a little bit of joy to as many deserving children as we can,” said SUNY Empire State College Officer in Charge Nathan Gonyea. “This has been a difficult year, and many of our neighbors are struggling. The need is greater than ever this holiday season, and I know we can count on our community to come together.”

“Every child deserves to enjoy the holiday season and thanks to this partnership with SUNY Empire, Capital Region families and families across the state will have it a little easier as we continue to navigate the fallout from COVID-19,” said Peter Gannon, president and CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “Together we can make the holidays brighter for our neighbors in need this year.”

SUNY Empire and United Way are collecting gifts for children of all ages, from infancy to 18. Due to COVID-19-related restrictions, volunteers will be unable to accept gently used or plush toys.

About United Way

United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. With global reach and local impact, we’re making life better for 48 million people annually. United Way is the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit, working in 95 percent of U.S. communities and 40 countries and territories. That’s why we’re the mission of choice for 2.5 million volunteers, 7.7 million donors, and 45,000 corporate partners. In the way of COVID-19, we’re helping people stay in their homes, stock their pantries, and protect their lives and livelihoods. And we’re working to build resilient, equitable communities. Learn more at UnitedWay.org.

About SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College educates 16,000 students per year in person, online, and through a blend of both, at locations in every region of New York and at eight international sites worldwide. Together with one of SUNY Empire’s 800 faculty mentors, each student designs their own individualized pathway to a college degree that accommodates their schedule and awards credit for prior college-level learning. SUNY Empire awards more than 3,000 degrees annually and 94 percent of graduates stay in New York state. Today, more than 89,000 SUNY Empire alumni are entrepreneurs, veterans, and active members of the military, professional athletes, teachers, medical professionals, and leaders in their field, as well as in their communities. To learn more, visit www.esc.edu and follow the college on social media @SUNYEmpire.