UTICA, N.Y. — New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-119th, recently launched her 6th Annual Winter Accessories and Food Drive at the Adirondack Bank Center.
Buttenschon joined representatives from the Utica Comets, the Save of the Day Foundation, the Utica City Football Club, the Utica Food Pantry and local first responders to support Mohawk Valley families this winter season.
For the past six years, this drive has helped ensure that no family in the community goes cold or hungry. What began as a small effort to collect hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and warm socks has now grown into a regional tradition of giving.
This year, for the first time at the suggestion of the Utica Food Pantry, the drive will also collect food items such as pasta and cereal, to address both hunger and warmth in the Mohawk Valley.
“Every winter, I am inspired by how our community comes together to lift one another up,” Buttenschon said. “This drive represents the very best of who we are: neighbors helping neighbors, families helping families and businesses stepping forward to make a difference. With so many caring partners, we can once again ensure that no child is left cold and no family is left hungry this season.”
Buttenschon recognized the continued partnership with the Utica Comets and Save of the Day
Foundation, whose collaboration has helped grow the effort year after year.
“We want to thank Assemblywoman Buttenschon for choosing Save of the Day and the Utica Comets to help with this great initiative,” Utica Comets President Rob Esche said. “We have an unbelievable fan base that is always willing to help those in need. The generosity they show each year in filling the bins with Hats and Mittens shows how great of a community we have here.”
This year also marks the addition of Hannaford Supermarkets as a new and generous partner. Buttenschon also welcomed new partners this year, including the Utica Fire IAFF, Rome Fire IAFF, Utica Police PBA, and Rome Police PBA unions, with the full support of the first response agencies they represent.
Donation bins will be placed at local fire and police departments, making it easier than ever for residents to contribute.
“Utica City FC is honored to support the hat and mitten drive again this season,” Utica City Football Club General Manager Tommy Tanner said. “We are always excited to partner with the Comets, the Save of the Day Foundation and Assemblywoman Buttenschon. Being able to help bring warmth and comfort to those in need this winter is a tradition that our organization loves to be a part of.”
