Although the arrival of the holiday season for many is punctuated by a whirlwind of activity involving celebratory meals, gift giving and getting together with family and friends, for others, the holidays are less about festivities and more about just getting by.  For some families, a warm coat or a hearty meal on Thanksgiving is a luxury, not a given, particularly in a down economy.

With these realities in mind, there are a number of donation drives and sales going on in and around Mamaroneck to benefit families in need this winter.  Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

1. Junior League of Westchester on the Sound (JLOWS) is holding their first annual winter coat drive now through Dec. 8 to benefit affiliates (independent food pantries, shelters and service organizations) of the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless (WCHH).  Gently-used adult’s and children’s coats will be accepted at the Golden Shoestring in Larchmont during business hours on Tues-Fri from 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  A warm coat can make all the difference to someone who would otherwise be exposed to the elements.
2. According to Melinda Lehman, president of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Food Pantry, the Pantry serves over 1,100 residents, 1/3 of which are children.  To help keep the Pantry stocked throughout the year, donations of non-perishable food will be accepted on Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 at the A & P in Mamaroneck and the Stop and Shop on Boston Post Road in Larchmont, between 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Donations will also be accepted at the Shoprite on Palmer Avenue in New Rochelle on Nov. 20.  Additionally, people can also purchase $1, $3 or $5 paper turkeys at that checkout at Stop and Shop; all proceeds will be donated to the Pantry.
3. Proceeds from the 85^th annual “12 Days of Christmas” Bazaar at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 4 Fountain Sq. in Larchmont will benefit community groups like HOPE Food Pantry, the Washingtonville Housing Alliance, the Hispanic Resource Center (HRC), Furniture Sharehouse, Mamaroneck/ Larchmont Student Aid Fund, Bienvenidas Girls and Providence House.  The bazaar will include jewelry, toys, household goods, sports equipment and much more for sale as well as tickets for silent auction items like US Open and Yankees tickets.
4. Operation Support Our Troops will collect various items for care packages to be sent to US troops stationed in Afghanistan; donations can be dropped off at the St. Augustine’s Church cafeteria located at 18 Cherry Ave.  Volunteers are needed to help prepare and pack boxes to be sent on Dec. 4 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at St. Augustine’s.