The holidays are a time for joy, and we believe everyone deserves to experience it. That’s why DiRAD was excited to support so many local organizations this holiday season. Our donations went towards providing a brighter holiday to families in need. We’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference to the community we live and work in!
Regional Food Bank
A new tradition started at DiRAD is volunteering our time to worthy organizations. This year, we chose to put together a team and spend some time volunteering at the Regional Food Bank in Latham, NY. There are different tasks to be done depending on when you volunteer, but this year, DiRAD’s team helped to sort produce, making sure that everything that went on to local families was safe to consume. Anything not cleared to be donated to those in need, then goes to local farms to feed the pigs. Nothing goes to waste!
The Regional Food Bank receives food from farmers, retailers, Feeding America, and others to then distribute it to food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and more. DiRAD volunteered at the Regional Food Bank that serves 23 counties in New York State, aiding people of all ages, races, genders, and abilities who are experiencing food insecurity.
YMCA Basket Brigade
Since 2016, the Capital District YMCA has partnered with Capital Region Food Pantries and other local partners to feed families during Thanksgiving. They feed an estimated 1500 families each year. This year, DiRAD made a donation of non-perishable items to help them reach their goals.
The Town of Halfmoon Thanksgiving Food Drive
Clifton Park/Halfmoon is where DiRAD’s headquarters lives. It made sense to also make a donation of non-perishable food items to the Town of Halfmoon’s Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive for another year. Once collected, these donations are made into baskets and delivered to local seniors and families in need.
Wreaths Across America
For many years, DiRAD has donated to Wreaths Across America. DiRAD volunteers time laying wreaths, along with many other volunteers, ensuring each grave has a wreath and each soldier has been remembered. This program is meant to remember and honor those who serve, as well as teach the next generation the value of freedom. Donations are used to further this mission, including the laying of wreaths on veteran’s graves. Volunteers are encouraged to speak that veteran’s name aloud, thank them for their service and sacrifice, and reflect on that person and their life. DiRAD’s donation went to the Saratoga National Cemetery.
Captains Cares Adopt-A-Family & Toy Donation
This year, DiRAD had the privilege of ‘adopting’ 3 little boys in our community. Through donations from Team DiRAD, we were able to provide a crib, drawers, clothing, books, toys, and more to a family that needed a helping hand this season. Captain Community Human Services supports and empowers people of all ages to reach their goals of personal growth and self-sufficiency all year long. During the holiday season, they run toy drives and Adopt-A-Family programs to provide a special holiday to those in need. We’re proud to have been part of this year’s donations.
Toys For Tots
DiRAD shopped and donated to our local Toys for Tots, bringing our donations to the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library. It is there that local coordinators collect and distribute the donations. The U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is directed by the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, with the assistance of his staff from the Marine Forces Reserve.
