NY Gives: Local Nonprofits to Participate in Nov. 29 Event

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After the Thanksgiving leftovers have been devoured and the chaos of Black Friday has died down, over 600 nonprofit organizations throughout the state will join together to keep “the season of giving” going. This year, The New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) and United Way of New York State (UWNYS) have partnered to launch NY Gives Day, a statewide day of giving to be held on Nov. 29. The 24-hour fundraiser will take place online from the comfort of a computer or mobile device- sans the inevitable long lines and boisterous crowds of Black Friday. Out of the 500+ nonprofit organizations signed up to participate in NY Gives Day are a handful of local agencies including The Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga; The Giving Circle, Inc.; Captain Youth and Family Service; The Prevention Council; and the Mechanicville Community Services Center. No matter what cause they support, there is a common theme of passion and a strong need for financial support across the board. The Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga has over 175 members walk through their doors each day to take advantage of their vast programs and support services. Since 2010, membership has increased from 300 to over 1,300, according to Lois Celeste, Executive Director. “As our membership numbers increase, so does our need for funding,” said Celeste. “Fundraisers like NY Gives Day make a huge difference in the quality of services we provide for our members.” NYCON expects a successful turnout for their first year and has great faith in the generosity of the people of New York to make this possible, according to Valeria Venezia, vice president of Membership and Marketing at NYCON. “We are so excited about this project because it’s going to put a spotlight on and generate resources for the amazing services nonprofit organizations provide in every community across the state,” said Venezia. South of the Senior Center is the Mechanicville Community Services Center. A self-proclaimed one-stop shop for the community, the center hopes to raise funds for youth and senior services through NY Gives Day. This is funding that runs a deficit, according to Executive Director Megan Quillinan. “We hope that by doing an online fundraiser, it encourages people to give,” said Quillinan. “It’s good to get in the spirit of giving back.” Participating charities within the Saratoga TODAY coverage area include: Hudson Crossing Park, Schuylerville; ACTT Naturally Inc., Greenwich; The Prevention Council, Saratoga Springs; The Giving Circle, Inc., Saratoga Springs; The Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga, Saratoga Springs; Mechanicville Area Community Services Center (MACSC), Mechanicville; Vethelp, Ballston Spa; Warren Washington Association for Mental Health, Hudson Falls; Moreau Community Center, South Glens Falls; The Charlton School, Burnt Hills; The Hyde Collection, Glens Falls; Amorak Youth Inc., Glens Falls; and SUNY Adirondack Foundation, Queensbury. #NYGivesDay will start at 12 midnight Eastern time on NYGivesDay.org. Visit the website early to learn more about the participating charities and how to give. Kate Bunster is the marketing coordinator for the Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga Springs. Learn more at SaratogaSeniorCenter.org.