Government

Over $27 Million in Unused Gift Cards Recovered by NYS Comptroller DiNapoli

Published

10 months ago

January 18, 2024

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to keep track of the gift cards they received during the holidays. Unused gift card balances can be turned over to the Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF) after five years of inactivity. In 2023, the Office recovered over $27 million from gift cards. For this reason, everyone should check for unclaimed funds.

“Many people don’t realize that after 5 years, unused gift card balances are turned over to the Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds,” DiNapoli said. “Now is a great time to check for unclaimed funds and use those gift cards you received over the holidays to avoid possible inactivity fees or having the money turned over to my office.”

Statewide, New York City residents are owed the most in unclaimed funds stemming from gift cards, totaling nearly $40 million, followed by Long Island residents at $10.8 million and Hudson Valley residents at $7.4 million.

DiNapoli’s office returns an average of $1.5 million in unclaimed funds every day and works with retailers to identify the owners of unused gift cards. Retailers can provide OUF with a name if the person registers the gift card online, if they have been issued a refund, or if the card was purchased with an existing store account. If the owner’s information is not known to a New York retailer, it will report the card details, such as card number and balance, which can be used by the recipient to claim the balance. The Comptroller’s office also sends letters to newly reported owners of unclaimed funds.

DiNapoli reminds gift card recipients to read the fine print on the card for details about any fees and expiration dates, and to consider registering the card with the retailer.

DiNapoli’s office has more than $18.4 billion in unclaimed funds.

Community

Rockland Repair Café Residents Can Bring Broken Items To Be Fixed For Free

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

This event brings together skilled volunteer Repair Coaches and residents seeking to repair household items. Participants are invited to bring items such as lamps, clothing, small appliances, wooden items, small furniture, toys, and electronics for evaluation and repair.

Items powered by gas engines (e.g., lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other gas-powered landscaping equipment) are not eligible for repair. Additionally, computers and digital devices will not be repaired at this event.

Repair Coaches will evaluate and fix items for free, provided the necessary materials are on hand. These talented volunteers are eager to share their expertise, preserving the art of repair while fostering community connections.

“The ability to fix and repair items is becoming a lost art,” said County Executive Ed Day. “The Repair Café not only celebrates this essential skill but also encourages its transfer to the younger generation, ensuring these talents continue to thrive in Rockland County. Events like this reduce landfill waste, foster sustainability, and strengthen our community ties.”

The Rockland Repair Café is a free, youth-friendly event made possible through the support of Rockland Conservation & Service Corps, a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau, along with Rockland Green, Pearl River United Methodist Church, and the Pearl River Library. Volunteer Repair Coaches from Woodcraft & Willow and IBEW LU 363 will also participate.

For more information, or to confirm if a Repair Coach can fix your item, please call Kathy Galione at (845) 364-2932, or email [email protected].

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Pearl River United Methodist Church, 130 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY

Government

UPDATE: Brush Fire At Rockland Lake

Published

4 days ago

November 18, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

George Hoehmann, Town Supervisor Clarkstown has provided an update as of 11:45AM, Sunday November 17th on the brush fire in Rockland Lake State Park along the Hudson River. Numerous fire departments are on scene including Rockland Lake, Congers Fire Department, Valley Cottage Fire Department 22, Nyack, Piermont Fire Department as well as the Clarkstown Police Department battling the blaze. The location of the fire is difficult to access water is being supplied by fireboats from the river and I am informed that the fire is being contained. The photo from the police drone unit demonstrate the area affected. We will post updates as the situation evolves.