Astor Home for Children Foundation
Founded in 1953 in Rhinebeck as a children’s home, Astor provides 6,500 children and their families affected by poverty, abuse, or mental illness in Dutchess and Orange counties and the Bronx with programs in community-based behavioral and prevention, early childhood development, and residential treatment. 845-871-1117. astorservices.org.
Clearwater
The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater is the region’s greatest icon. built in 1966 by a group of citizens determined to save the river, the sloop—and the organization behind it—changed the Hudson’s course of events. Today Clearwater is known for having led the fight for the Clean Water Act and against PCB contamination of the river; as well as working toward environmental justice, monitoring of power plants and energy sources, watershed management, and sustainable development. It boasts educational programs that have allowed over 400,000 school children to sale aboard the sloop, and the region’s most popular annual music festival. Donations and volunteers are needed to keep Clearwater afloat. 724 Wolcott Ave, Beacon. 845.265.8080. clearwater.org.
Dutchess County Arts Fund
Art is about people, communities, children, and the future. Founded in 1979, the Arts Fund has helped Du tchess County Arts Council invest almost $10 million in cultural programs in Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Valley by providing grants and awards to schools, organizations, community groups, and artists. Donations mean ongoing resources for artists. 845-454-3222. artsmidhudson.org.
Family of Woodstock
Family has 40 years as a New York state leader in providing respectful, caring, and often creative service to Ulster County residents—including 24-hour hotlines; childcare support; teen programs; community-building; shelters for the homeless and domestic violence victims; emergency food pantries; court advocates; emergency provision of transportation, clothing, school supplies, car repairs, prescription costs, and security deposits; and counseling and case management. Centers in Kingston, Woodstock, New Paltz, and Ellenville are staffed by paid workers and volunteers committed to helping people move forward, whatever their troubles. Donate funds or personal property, including cars, or volunteer. 845-331-7080. familyofwoodstockinc.org.
Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
Since 1990, in partnership with the food industry, the Food Bank amasses large donations of unmarketable but still edible food and distributes over eight million pounds of food to more than 360 member agencies throughout Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, and Putnam counties. Donate or volunteer now, as the winter season reaches peak need. 845-534-5344. Foodbankofhudsonvalley.org.
Grace Smith House
Each year in the US, at least two million women are assaulted by a male partner. One in four women are abused at some point in life. One in six pregnant women are abused while pregnant. Grace Smith House provides a 24-hour hotline, shelter, advocacy, and support or referrals to survivors of domestic violence. Donate funds or “in-kind” materials, including consumables and clothing, or volunteer. 845-452-7155. GraceSmithHouse.org
Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center, Kingston
Having celebrated its fifth anniversary this year, LGBTQ Community Center has grown in size as well as scope, providing the LGBTQ community with education, counseling, support groups, town hall sessions, and fun community events. Programs include a Come Out & Find Out conference; Hudson Pride Foundation silent auction; taking the Working It Out anti-bullying program to Kingston, Wallkill, and Newburgh high schools; health services for the aging; the Trevor Project; and the City of Hudson’s first Pride March. Make a tax-deductible cash donation to help grow programs and cover increasing operating expenses, or to the Cornerstone Campaign to help liquidate the debt on the Center’s building. Volunteers welcome. 300 Wall Street, Kingston. 845-331-5300. lgbtqcenter.org.
Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum
With innovative, interactive science, arts, and history programs and exhibits—including a life-size, climbable mastodon—this Poughkeepsie waterfront museum serves children and their families and provides work-experience volunteer training programs for teens. Support capital projects and help extend services to low-income children and families. Naming programs available for donations under $1,000; contributions over $1,000 qualify for an additional 25% credit against your NY income tax. 845-471-0589. mhcm.org.
Queens Galley
Anyone humble enough to walk into a soup kitchen deserves a meal, according to Queens Galley, and because this nonprofit isn’t government funded, no proof of poverty is needed. During a single month in 2008, this soup kitchen served 8,660 meals. Queens Galley is funded entirely by donations from local businesses like Migliorelli, RSK, and Saulpaugh farms; Phillies Bridge Farm Project; Hearty Roots; and Bread Alone; and offers education targeting children, families, and seniors. Drop food off 24/7 at Queens Galley in Uptown Kingston; or make donation. 254 Washington Avenue, Kingston. 845.338.3468. queensgalley.org.
Scenic Hudson
Dedicated to protecting and restoring the Hudson River, its waterfront, and the region’s vistas and landscapes since 1963, Poughkeepsie-headquartered Scenic Hudson has expanded its conservation work through land acquisition and land protection via easements, launched the campaign advocating the removal of PCBs from the river, successfully defeated potentially negative developments like the Saint Lawrence Cement plant, and runs several community-partnering activities and public cleanup projects—only with citizens’ generosity. 845-473-4440 x108. Scenichudson.org.
United Way of Ulster County
Targeting funding to quality programs to meet identified needs throughout Ulster County, United Way is currently directing funds to address local needs for affordable day care; cost-effective literacy programs; family-centered mental health services; life skills training; housing and emergency assistance for low-income families; parenting skills classes; and substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. 845-331-4199. uwuc.org.
Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary
A safe haven for goats, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, and turkeys that have been rescued from abandonment, abuse, and neglect and rehabilitated. Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary also exists to teach visitors that these animals are more than dinner and deserve a better life than being industrial factory farmed. WFAS teaches humane treatment of animals through educational programs, farm visits, and fun events (including a recent benefit performance by Sean Ono Lennon). 100% of contributions goes to the animals’ upkeep and education programs. eBay sales percentage donations available. Volunteers welcome. 845-679-5955. Woodstocksanctuary.org.
