Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center to Kick Off Annual Mitten Tree Community Giveback Program

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center is excited to announce the launch of its annual Mitten Tree Community Giveback Program. Now through Tuesday, Jan. 5, members of the local community are invited to contribute warm winter wear to the Visitor Center Mitten Tree, located at 297 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. All donations will benefit CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Franklin Community Center and Shelters of Saratoga.

“Your thoughtful donations make a meaningful difference in our community, especially for those facing difficult times,” said Karen Verrigni, Director of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. “Each year, this cherished tradition provides hundreds of pieces of warm winter wear to neighbors in need, helping them stay comfortable through the cold winter months. The kindness and generosity of our community continue to warm our hearts.”

Instead of ornaments or lights, the tree is decorated with warm winter items such as hats, socks, scarves, gloves and, of course, mittens. If you’d like to donate, the Visitor Center asks that you hang new or handmade items on the tree.

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with special hours during the upcoming holidays.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, the Visitor Center will be open Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Visitor Center will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, reopening Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

During the Christmas and New Year’s holiday, the Visitor Center will observe the following hours of operation: Tuesday, Dec. 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25; and open Saturday, Dec. 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Visitor Center will also be closed Tuesday, Dec. 29, through Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, reopening Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027. Winter hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., will remain in effect through March 31, 2027. The Visitor Center is closed Sundays and Mondays.