Giving Thanks This Holiday Season: Charitable Thoughts for our Community

As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving becomes central to communities everywhere. It's a time for gratitude, reflection, and giving back to the community. Here at Twin Gables, in Woodstock, NY, we have a number of local charities that we support and can greatly benefit from your generosity. Whether you're looking to donate money, time, or goods; here's a look at some impactful, local organizations that would greatly appreciate the added support during this season of giving.

Good Neighbor Food Pantry of Woodstock, NY; Feeding our Community Together.

Just a block away from Twin Gables, the Good Neighbor Food Pantry resides at 89 Tinker Street: providing fresh, frozen, and packaged food for those facing food insecurity in Woodstock, and the surrounding communities. The organization is completely volunteer based, open to the public 4 days a week, with a mission to alleviate hunger and support families locally. They work in partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Northeast NY and also assist with food and supplies for Family of Woodstock, People's Place, and more local panties and kitchens. The Good Neighbor Food Pantry accepts donations through their website www.goodneighborfoodpantry.org (PayPal). You can also donate by cash or check at the Woodstock Apothecary or send a check to their office: Good Neighbor Food Pantry, 89 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY 12498.

FAMILY of Woodstock

Since 1970, Family of Woodstock has been available to help those in need, with "any problem under the sun". FAMILY operates as a non-profit that helps people with a number of social issues including homelessness, domestic violence, food insecurity, restorative justice, childcare, public assistance, and document translations. Founded on two main principles that guide the care that they provide: "We will not judge you for what you've done" and "We will not tell you what to do"; creating a trust that allows a deeper connection with their clients in order to address their needs more fully. FAMILY's shelters, emergency food pantries, domestic violence services, court advocates, counseling and case management services, hotlines, and childcare supports all work together to help people achieve the changes they seek. All of their services, with few exceptions, are free of charge, and confidential. Donations to FAMILY can be made online at www.familyofwoodstock.org , by phone (845)331-7080 (during business hours, credit card), or by mail: FAMILY of Woodstock, Inc., PO Box 3516, Kingston, NY 12402.

This Thanksgiving, November 27th, FAMILY of Woodstock will be hosting their first ever 5k Turkey Trot, starting at 9am. The FAMILY team has designed a fun and scenic 5k route that winds through Woodstock and offers a challenge, but one that every runner (and walker!) can absolutely conquer! The race will be starting at the Woodstock Rec. Field and ending at the Village Green. While this is the first Turkey Trot in Woodstock, FAMILY has successfully organized the New Paltz Turkey Trot for more than 20 years. Funds raised during this event go to supporting FAMILY's 24-hour Emergency Hotline!

Ulster County SPCA

The UCSPCA is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent cruelty to animals by providing temporary shelter and finding adoptive homes for homeless, abused, and neglected animals; conducting cruelty investigations; eliminating the crisis of homeless animals by providing low-cost spay/neuter services for cats and by spaying or neutering all animals offered for adoption; providing humane education and by working to improve laws to end animal cruelty. Helping. Healing. Adopting.

They rely solely on the kindness and compassion of the community through donations; they receive no government funding, nor any from the ASPCA. It's all friends and neighbors, near and far, who make this organization possible. To donate to this wonderful, selfless organization visit www.ucspca.org.

Shakti Yoga Woodstock X People's Place of Ulster County

Every year, on Thanksgiving Day, Linda Lalita Winnick hosts a donation-based yoga class at her Shakti Yoga Studio, (1685 Sawkill Road, Woodstock, NY 12498). All proceeds of this annual Thanksgiving Day class are donated to People's Place of Ulster County. The People's Place provides assistance to anyone living in Ulster County, especially the unemployed, the physically and mentally challenged, working poor, youth, and elderly. They have many, many programs focused on achieving food security, cultivating self-dignity, nurturing the next generation, and more. It's an incredible local charity that works tirelessly, year-round, to improve the lives of those less fortunate in need of assistance. Shakti Yoga's annual Thanksgiving Day class is a great way donate and give back, while enjoying a yoga class with a grateful community. Class is also available on Zoom and pre-registration is highly suggested.