’Tis the season for giving locally

HARLEM VALLEY — It’s the time of year when many are searching for a place to give a helping holiday hand.What many may not realize is that the areas of need may be closer than they originally thought.Several local organizations are reaching out for donations of coats, clothes, food, toys and monetary gifts to support those less fortunate.Drives for essential items can be found throughout the North East (Webutuck), Pine Plains and Millbrook central school districts.Donating locally can be as easy as checking a school website for needed items.More information on current school drives can be found at www.webutuckschools.org, www.pineplainsschools.org and www.millbrookcsd.org.Along with schools, many food pantries in the area are also reaching out through the season for donations.In Amenia, the Food of Life Food Pantry at St. Thomas Episcopal church, which hands out approximately 1,200 meals a week, is seeking donations to support their ever-growing community of persons in need.“Will you join us in making sure no one goes hungry?” stated the Rev. Betsy Fisher.Food of Life Food Pantry can be found at 40 Leedsville Road in Amenia and reached by calling 845-373-9161, emailing foodoflifepantry@gmail.com or going to www.foodoflifepantry.org.Other local pantries include the Community Food Locker at the Pine Plains United Methodist Church, located at 303 East Church St. in Pine Plains.They can be reached by calling 518-398-5521.The Millerton Food Pantry is also taking donations all year long and can be reached at PO Box 929, Millerton, NY 12546, or by calling 518-789-3077.