Captain Cares
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. 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 who otherwise would not have.
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∗.
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. 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. The Regional Food Bank that DiRAD volunteered at 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.
Toy Donations
The Capital District YMCA is known to do toy drives, as well, giving to local families in need.
Wreaths Across America
For many years, DiRAD has donated to Wreaths Across America. 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.
Mechanicville/Stillwater Breast Cancer Walk
The Mechanicville/Stillwater Breast Cancer Walk is a special day when we all gather to honor the memory of loved ones who are no longer with us, to acknowledge and support individuals currently fighting the battle and to applaud those who are survivors of the disease. This annual walk continues its fundraising efforts to help local cancer fighting organizations who work tirelessly to help develop new treatments, find a cure and to assist patients in need.
Funds raised have been donated to New York Oncology and Hematology in Clifton Park, Saratoga Hospital: Mollie Willmont Radiation Oncology Center, American Cancer Society, and more.
The Town of Halfmoon
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. Once collected, these donations are made into baskets and delivered to local seniors and families in need.
The Southern Saratoga County Chamber Angels
For more than three decades, the Chamber Angels has provided holiday cheer for more than 500 children in the southern Saratoga County community. The families of these children, infant to 18 years old, are enduring financial hardships that make the extra expense of the holidays a cause for stress and unhappiness during what should be a season of joy.
The Chamber Angels are entrusted to find sponsors or shop for each child, if necessary, to make sure every child identified has their holiday gift wishes fulfilled.
NYS Sheriff’s Association
The New York State Sheriffs’ Association is a not-for-profit corporation formed for the purpose of assisting sheriffs in the efficient and effective delivery of services to the public. It comprises all 58 elected and appointed sheriffs of the State of New York. Since 1934, the Sheriffs’ Association has helped New York’s sheriffs to serve and protect the citizenry through member-supported training programs, accreditation, legislative advocacy, and public safety programs.
Have a suggestion for another worthy organization?