Each year our Department of Social Services (DSS) holds a Toy and Clothing Drive for children in foster care, those staying in our family shelter and other children we are helping to ensure they all have gifts to open during the holidays. With 2020 being such a difficult year for so many of us we weren’t sure what to expect with this year’s Drive but the sheer number of donations we have received this year is beyond incredible.

It is my pleasure to report that the children and families that we help will be well taken care of this season and it is thanks to all of you! A number of local businesses and organizations stepped up in big ways this year to provide for these children and families.

Halmar International, a leading highway and bridge construction company based in Nanuet, contributed age-appropriate toys for kids from newborn to young teenagers.

JL Blessings, a nonprofit that serves NY and NJ, dropped off over 200 backpacks filled with essential items like clothing, water, non-perishable food, sanitary products, and books for homeless staying at the County Warming Center. Each backpack also included a personal note of encouragement to every recipient.

Students and staff from Albertus Magnus High School, located in Bardonia, donated hundreds of toys and assembled personal hygiene kits for distribution to the homeless which were delivered to Catholic Charities which operates the Warming Center.

The “Rotary Elves” of the Pearl River Rotary Interact Club also visited DSS and dropped off a large donation of toys.

All of those donations and more were in addition to those dropped off by our thoughtful and caring County employees who truly went above and beyond this year. The donations boxes throughout our County buildings had to be emptied multiple times due to these employees overwhelming generosity. Two County Departments deserve special mention.

The Personnel Department did not hold their normal holiday luncheon due to the pandemic and used the money to purchase gift cards for families and children served by DSS. And the Department of Health adopted all the families staying at our Rockland Family Shelter and donated toys, clothing, and gift cards to ensure every one of their needs was met this holiday season.

In speaking to our DSS Commissioner, Joan Silvestri, we were blown away by this outpouring of support and generosity from County employees and the Rockland community. This year has impacted so many here in Rockland and it has been the priority of DSS to make sure that our families and children are served through this difficult time.

Witnessing the community come together to help provide for those in need especially in times like these, gives hope that better days are on the way. Thank you to each and every person who donated for your generosity.

*This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.