It’s that time of year again! As 2009 winds to a close, many of you are feeling the holiday spirit and want to make donations of all kinds to ARCS. While it’s important to take care of those in need during the holiday season, it’s also an excellent time to donate to receive Federal tax deductions before the end of the year.
How You Can Help
Annual Appeal: 2009 was an unprecedented year for HIV/AIDS funding in New York State. ARCS lost nearly $1 million in funding and was forced to close vital, successful programs in order to maintain its core services. In the latest version of the proposed state budget, ARCS is slated to receive another budget cut, which would further cripple our ability to leverage all our funding on behalf of the HIV+ clients and families we serve. The most important gift you can make to ARCS right now is a financial contribution. This will prevent further programmatic cuts and, hopefully, restore some of the essential HIV prevention programs we lost this past year. To make a contribution, click here or click on the large green “Donate Now” button at the top of this page.
Toys for Tots: The Toys for Tots program in Orange County has reported that donations of new, unwrapped toys for all ages are down by 60%. Families who access ARCS’ services from our Newburgh office benefit from this program every year. Donations made directly to ARCS are appreciated of course, but we encourage you to support the Toys for Tots program by dropping off toys at one of these locations. This not only helps needy kids in Orange County, but also minimizes the added responsibilities on our staff of distributing the donated toys.
Food Pantry Donations: We always welcome donations of new, non-perishable foods to our food pantries and emergency food closets. Canned goods, pastas, soups, cereals, boxed milk, and low-sodium tuna fish are highly desirable. We are also in desperate need for toiletries and personal care items: laundry detergent, soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream and moisturizers in particular. Household cleaning products, including bleach, paper towels, dish soap, antibacterial sprays and other cleansers are greatly appreciated. To make a food or personal care item donation, please call your local ARCS office to arrange for a drop-off time during business hours.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Organize a food drive with your local school, workplace, or house of worship! We can help you prepare for a food drive and, supplies permitting, set you up with ARCS giveaways to thank your donors! Please call (914) 785-8326 for more information.
We regret that we can no longer take donations of household items, bedding, clothing, or baby items at this time without making specific arrangements beforehand. If you have an item you would like to donate, please call (914) 785-8326 to inquire if there is a need for such an item.
Thank you very much, and have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!