As Thanksgiving approaches, Rockland County is preparing to embrace one of the most meaningful times of the year — a season centered on gratitude, family, community, and giving back.

From the streets of Nyack and the neighborhoods of New City to the communities of Haverstraw, Spring Valley, Pearl River, Suffern, Stony Point, and beyond, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity for residents throughout Rockland County to pause, reflect, and appreciate what makes this community such a special place to call home.

Whether gathering around the dinner table with family and friends, supporting local businesses, volunteering with charitable organizations, or lending a helping hand to a neighbor, the spirit of Thanksgiving reminds us that the greatest blessings are often found in the connections we share with one another.

Rockland County is a community built on diversity, tradition, resilience, and a strong sense of togetherness. Its residents represent many backgrounds and cultures, each contributing to the unique character that makes the county so vibrant. As the holiday approaches, it is a wonderful time to recognize the countless individuals, organizations, first responders, healthcare workers, educators, small business owners, and volunteers who work throughout the year to make our communities stronger.

Thanksgiving is also a time to remember those who may be facing challenges, experiencing loss, or spending the holiday alone. A simple phone call, a shared meal, or an act of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day. As we celebrate, let us continue to look out for one another and extend compassion to those who need it most.

As families make their holiday preparations and communities begin to take on the warmth of the season, we encourage everyone to shop locally, travel safely, support those in need, and take a moment to appreciate the people and places that make Rockland County special.

From all of us, we wish every resident of Rockland County a very happy, healthy, and peaceful Thanksgiving!

May your holiday be filled with family, friends, delicious food, meaningful memories, laughter, love, and plenty of reasons to be thankful.

                                        Happy Thanksgiving, Rockland County!

Rockland County is once again partnering with local Wendy’s restaurants to recognize National Adoption Month and raise awareness about the need for foster families.

For the 15th consecutive year, the Rockland County Department of Social Services (RCDSS) Children’s Services Unit will join Wendy’s locations in Nanuet and West Haverstraw on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, for an event honoring foster and adoptive families throughout the county.

As part of the celebration, the two participating Wendy’s restaurants will provide free meals to Rockland County foster and adoptive families in recognition of the legacy of Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted as an infant.

Thomas became a longtime advocate for adoption and founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992, based on his belief that every child deserves a safe, loving and permanent home.

The local restaurants are operated by Wenesco Restaurants, whose owners, Kevin Woodside and Phillip Anastos, are continuing Thomas’ legacy by supporting foster care and adoption initiatives in the community.

99 Rockland County Children Have Found Forever Homes

The annual partnership has helped bring attention to the importance of foster family recruitment and adoption throughout Rockland County.

According to county officials, 99 children have found their forever homes over the past 15 years with the assistance and support of community partners like Wendy’s.

“We are grateful to Wendy’s for partnering with us for the 15th consecutive year to raise awareness of the need for caring and loving foster homes and to recognize the tireless efforts and compassion of our adoptive and foster care parents,” said Patrick A. Frawley, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

County Executive Ed Day also encouraged residents who have considered fostering a child to learn more about the opportunity.

“Fostering a child is a truly special opportunity to change a young person’s life,” Day said. He encouraged anyone considering becoming a foster parent to explore the process and discover the difference they could make in a child’s life.

Residents Invited to Learn About Becoming Foster Parents

In addition to honoring existing foster and adoptive families, the November 18 event will give residents an opportunity to speak with representatives and learn more about becoming a foster parent or navigating the adoption process.

Anyone interested in learning more is invited to stop by either participating Wendy’s location between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18.

Participating locations:

• Wendy’s Nanuet: 90 Route 59, Nanuet, NY
• Wendy’s West Haverstraw: 125 Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY

Residents interested in becoming foster parents can also find additional information through the Rockland County Department of Social Services at FosterRockland.com.

The annual event serves as a reminder that every child deserves a safe and loving home, and that becoming a foster parent can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.