Christmas trees are going up and snow is falling down — the telltale signs of the holiday season in full swing!
As we celebrate the holidays, we must extend our generosity beyond festivities by giving back to those in need. Supporting initiatives like Toys for Tots, Trees for Troops and honoring fallen veterans through Wreaths Across America embodies the spirit of giving and community.
I spoke at the 21st Annual Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Abele Memorial Park in Halfmoon last week, a lighted tree memorial in remembrance of loved ones who have passed away but are forever in our hearts. Individuals, families, civic groups and more participate by sponsoring and decorating a tree in memory of a loved one.
During this ceremony, we honor those who have passed by reading their names and special notes from their families. Thank you to Halfmoon Town Supervisor Kevin Tollisen and Halfmoon Celebrations for keeping this ceremony going yearly for our beloved friends and family in the community. With a record number of trees decorated this year, the Tree Lighting was beautiful as always and I am forever honored to be part of this somber and heartfelt celebration of life.
Among the many cherished initiatives during the holiday season, Toys for Tots is a stand-out event. Led by Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, a convoy is orchestrated involving local fire departments, police, EMS and emergency personnel to parade from Ballston Spa High School into Saratoga Springs at SPAC, where donated toys are loaded into a Toys for Tots Marine Corps truck. This year was the 10th annual Toys for Tots Convoy and is a testament to the community’s commitment to spreading joy and goodwill this season.
This year was also the 11th annual Toys for Toga event, which puts a local focus on the toy drive to distribute toys to local children in Saratoga County. I was honored to join Carmine DeCrescente from DeCrescente Distributing Company, Sen. Jim Tedisco and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner at the Toys for Toga kick-off event last month.
Last year, Toys for Toga donated 2,600 toys and raised over $24,000! With all your help this year, we’re working to smash a new fundraising goal of 3,000 toys.
Giving back to our troops during the holiday season is important as it provides a meaningful way to express gratitude, show appreciation for their sacrifices, offer support, and remind them their service and dedication to safeguarding our nation are valued and remembered, particularly during a time when they might be away from their families.
Wreaths Across America is an annual event that honors fallen veterans by laying wreaths on their graves at cemeteries across the U.S. If you would like to participate by sponsoring a wreath, the ceremony at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16. You can find more information on this event at wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Additionally, Trees for Troops is an initiative that gifts Christmas trees to military families, showing gratitude and spreading holiday cheer to those serving in the armed forces. Last week, I helped load a FedEx truck up with over 100 Christmas trees, donated from farms across the region, for the 19th annual Trees for Troops event at Ellms Family Farm.
This year, Trees for Troops is expecting over 20,000 trees to be donated to 84 bases across the country! Thank you to the team at Ellms Family Farm for your continued commitment to hosting this program, this is an event I look forward to every year! I’d also like to thank every local tree farmer who donated from more than 15 farms, and FedEx for their invaluable support in transporting these trees across the country.
Amidst our efforts to support others, it’s equally important to prioritize our mental well-being. The holidays can bring various emotions, so taking the time to check in on ourselves and our loved ones becomes crucial. In troubled times, it’s important to remember to find the light.
This week, I got to do so myself when I joined community members in Ballston Spa at the menorah lighting ceremony in Wiswall Park. Members of the Jewish faith have been celebrating the miracle of light for over 2,000 years and it was beautiful to see the community come together for the cherished tradition.
Remember, a little kindness goes a long way, and by spreading love and compassion this holiday season we create a brighter, more unified community for everyone.
Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh represents the 112th Assembly District, which consists of parts of Saratoga, Schenectady and Fulton counties.
READER’S VIEW: Honoring the holiday season: Giving back and checking in
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10.12.2023
Christmas trees are going up and snow is falling down — the telltale signs of the holiday season in full swing!
As we celebrate the holidays, we must extend our generosity beyond festivities by giving back to those in need. Supporting initiatives like Toys for Tots, Trees for Troops and honoring fallen veterans through Wreaths Across America embodies the spirit of giving and community.
I spoke at the 21st Annual Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Abele Memorial Park in Halfmoon last week, a lighted tree memorial in remembrance of loved ones who have passed away but are forever in our hearts. Individuals, families, civic groups and more participate by sponsoring and decorating a tree in memory of a loved one.
During this ceremony, we honor those who have passed by reading their names and special notes from their families. Thank you to Halfmoon Town Supervisor Kevin Tollisen and Halfmoon Celebrations for keeping this ceremony going yearly for our beloved friends and family in the community. With a record number of trees decorated this year, the Tree Lighting was beautiful as always and I am forever honored to be part of this........
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