Skip to content

Leap of Kindness Day

#LEAPOFKINDNESSDAY

February 29, 2024

Leap of Kindness Day Logo

What will you do with an extra day?

The Ulster County Chamber's  #LeapOfKindnessDay will take place on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

The idea is to get as many people in our community as possible to use the extra day we all get in a Leap Year to do something kind for someone else.

#LeapOfKindnessDay offers you a chance to motivate your organization, business, or community to donate to local not-for-profit organizations. Late-winter donations of clothing, food, and money often decline after the Holiday Season. Here's a chance to reverse this trend.

To help you participate, we reached out to local not-for-profits in Ulster County and asked them for some ideas. While you can wait to deliver any items you might donate, we encourage everyone to start collection activities within your workplace or organization as soon as possible to maximize your participation and community impact.

Are you a not-for-profit? Click here to submit what your organization needs and get added to the list! Click here to download and display the Leap of Kindness poster.

Leap Year happens only once every four years. Don’t miss this opportunity to do some good in our community.

Let us know what you plan to do!

We're eager to learn and then share what Chamber members plan to do for our Leap of Kindness Day celebration. Please email your planned acts of kindness to allison@UlsterChamber.org and we will list them below. We are using social media to spread the word too! We ask that when using social media to post your act of kindness, include the hashtag #LeapOfKindnessDay and tag Ulster County Chamber so we can share and inspire others to do something special with their extra day.

Here's what our local not-for-profits need:

In Flight, Inc.
(845) 835-6294 x190
Jill Rodriquez
Jrodriquez@inflightinc.org
Blenders, Apple Peelers, Apples, Bread, Sun Butter, Art Supplies, Workout Equipment, Gift Cards, Cleaning Supplies, Sensory Toys, Vocational Skill Equipment (Cash Registers, Tablets, Laptops)

Ulster County SPCA
(845) 331-5377
Jamie Dea
Marketingcoordinator@ucspca.org
The Ulster County SPCA always needs Adopters, Fosters, Volunteers, and Donations - cash and in-kind. On our website, www.ucspca.org, adopters can find our animals, fosters, and volunteers can find our applications, and donors can donate directly online or find our Wish List. Our biggest needs from our list include the following: adult cat wet/dry food, cat litter, kitten wet food, adult dog wet/dry food, dog training treats, bully sticks, dish/laundry detergent, and bleach. Our animals thank you!

People's Place
(845) 338-4030
Christine Hein
director@peoplesplaceuc.org
We would love extra help that day from 1:30 - 4 in the Thrift Store/Donation area sorting donations, cleaning, and displaying clothing and other items. Also Food & Cafe Pantry organization as well.

Raising Your Awareness about Narcotics, Inc
(845) 706-4794
Lena Serrano
lena.serrano@ryanhouse924.onmicrosoft.com
The renovation will be completed to house as 6-8 men are coming out of inpatient rehab and into the community. They will have to work, pay rent, do community service, and attend daily meetings. Items needed to furnish their living space will be: 4 sets of commercial bunk beds and mattresses, full-size bed and mattress set, bedding, towels, couch & loveseat or sectional, washer & dryer, kitchen cabinets, over the stove microwave, and small kitchen appliances. Any items will be greatly appreciated.

Ashokan Equestrian Center for Children with Autism Inc.
(845) 657-6076
Debra Ann Romano/Antoine Hepkins
debra@ashokanequestriancenter.org
As a 501(c)(3) Equine Charity that provides FREE rehabilitated Mini Ponies to horse-savvy families with Special Needs Children we have an endless need for good quality hay, Tractor Supply gift cards, or gift certificates to any Ulster County feed stores. Your generous TAX-DEDUCTIBLE donations can be securely made @ AshokanEquestrianCenter.org

The COOP Concept
(845) 591-5545
Tina Dierna
Thecoopconceptllc@gmail.com
As Leap of Kindness Day approaches, we urgently seek your support for The COOP Concept, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth. We're in need of financial contributions, supplies, building tools (new/used), business sponsors, and locations for youth to work and visit job sites. Your generosity on this special day will directly impact the development and future success of young individuals in our community. Thank you for considering our request.

Children's Home of Poughkeepsie
(845) 452-1420
Erin Cafarelli
pr@childrenshome.us
We can always use non-perishable food items for our family food boxes. Items needed include cereal, pasta, sauce, mac & cheese, beans, rice, instant potatoes, canned vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, and juice. Thank you!

The Woodstock School of Art, Inc
(845) 679-2388
Nina Doyle
nina.doyle@woodstockschoolofart.org
We would greatly appreciate support for painting Studio 5 (20x40). This studio recently received an addition and we will need to paint it ASAP.

Holistic Health Community
(516) 205-0185
Laurie Marks Law
lauriemarkslaw@gmail.com
The Holistic Health Community is in search of candidates for the position of Board Treasurer. We are also looking for volunteers to help with marketing, social media management, and fundraising.

YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County
(845) 338-3810 x105
Heidi G Kirschner
hkirschner@ymcaulster.org
Board Games, Basketballs, Basketball Nets, Pens & Pencils, Scotch Tape, Legos, Michaels Gift Cards, Herzog's Gift Cards, Swim Bubbles, Copy Paper, Case of Water, Dry Erase Board Markers, Colored Pencils, Glue Sticks, Construction Paper, Tissues, Snacks for kids in Program: Applesauce, Fruit cups, Gold Fish, Graham Crackers etc.

The Salvation Army
(330) 704-1737
Erik D. Muhs
erik.muhs@use.salvationarmy.org
We could use people to cook a community meal for 50 people. We could provide the ingredients, or the ingredients can be provided by volunteers.

NYenvironcom
(347) 867-5404
Alex Scilla
director@nyenvironcom.org
We are always looking for general support for our work and programs:
WaterInsight: Data-collection program that teaches do-it-yourself water data collection methods to advance science-based preservation or remediation in land planning.
TerraINscape: Develops maps to understand how land impacts water and vice versa.
Our land-use advocacy work, including our Clean Water Act work.
To contribute: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/nyenvironcom-1
We also welcome volunteers info@nyenvironcom.org

Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center
(845) 331-5300
Richard Heyl de Ortiz
richard@lgbtqcenter.org
We could use help with the repainting of our lobby and vestibule. Our vestibule is about 8' x 8'. The lobby is approximately 10' x 15'.

Woodstock Film Festival
(845) 518-7130
Teressa DelCampo
Teressa@WoodstockFilmFestival.org
This is such a wonderful thing! We would love some help in our garage organizing/labeling some of our event supplies and putting up some shelving. Thanks!

Ulster YouthBuild LLC
(845)331-2381
Frank Neglia
UYB.neglia@gmail.com
Work boots for both men and ladies. Food for our YouthBuild Pantry to help with student food insecurities and Cash donations.

Family of Woodstock, Inc.
(845) 706-8484
Paul Rakov
info@familyofwoodstockinc.org
Family of Woodstock, Inc. is a network of individuals, paid and volunteer, whose mission is to provide confidential and fully accessible crisis intervention, information, prevention, and support services to address the needs of individuals and families.
What we need:

- Hotline/helpline volunteers (training provided)
- Basic maintenance assistance (painting, mechanical repairs, etc.)
- General volunteers (we will match your skills to what we need!)

Alzheimer's Association
(845) 471-2619
Tina Eckert
Tmeckert@alz.org
We are looking for volunteers for our Walk to End Alzheimer's Event taking place on October 19, 2024. We will host a Volunteer Kickoff information session on Thursday, March 7th at 5:30 pm for anyone interested. To attend, please contact Tina Eckert at (845) 471-2619. We have flexible roles to fit the needs of your schedule! Join us today to help End Alzheimer's.

Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc.
(914) 747-3080
Jennifer Donohue
jdonohue@girlscoutshh.org
GSHH is currently raising funds to support its camp properties, including Camp Wendy in Walkill. The Girl Scouts Love CAMPaign Challenge began in May 2023 with a goal of raising $250,000 to support camp properties. The campaign is now less than $37,000 away from reaching this goal, which the council aims to reach by its annual meeting on March 2, 2024. To support Girl Scout camps in the Hudson Valley go to - https://www.girlscoutshh.org/en/support-us/girl-scouts-love-campaign.html

You can also join us on April 13, Community Camp Clean-Up Day from 2 - 6 pm, with a campfire following. Adult volunteers will work to clear the camp paths from winter debris, clean the cabins, help build tent platforms, and more to prepare it for Girl Scouts to use from Spring to late Fall.

Ulster County Community Action Committee
(845) 338-8750 x2
Douglas Blancero
dblancero@uccac.com
-Canned goods for our pantries
-Office supplies (paper clips, paper, pens, toner, etc.)
-Personal Hygiene supplies (soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary napkins, diapers, etc.)
-Paper Towels, Toilet paper, tissues, paper plates, cups
-Volunteers

YWCA Ulster County
(203) 228-2665
Athena Fliakos
afliakos@ywcaulstercounty.org
Make a teacher's day! Teachers at the Magic Circle School are some of the most devoted humans and most exceptional educators on the planet. Across three locations our teachers serve up to 100 children and families a day. Our wish is that they may have a day made special by the donation of a meal to one of your favorite local spots, a gift card for food, or gas. Your contributions of kindness are the echo of our commitment to ensuring the highest rates of compensation and appreciation.

The Arc Mid-Hudson
(845) 768-5122
Kelly Wright
kelly.wright@arcmh.org
Donations change lives! Your donation to The Arc Mid-Hudson will have a significant impact on the individuals we support, making a positive difference in their lives. To make a donation, please visit https://www.classy.org/give/450271/#!/donation/checkout

YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County
(845) 338-3810
Kristyn Keller
Kkeller@ymcaulster.org
We are selling Solar Panels, that we will be assembling, here at the YMCA. These solar panels will be used to generate solar to be able to charge cell phones. Once completed the solar panels will be shipped to Ukraine. They have a great need for these.

Kingston Midtown Arts District
(845) 901-0244
Lisa Kelley
lisa@madkingston.org
Monetary or in-kind donations for our paid youth workforce training program in the arts and arts administration for ages 15-24. The program's goal is to bridge art education with real-life experience, supporting self-expression and providing a connection between a student, their neighborhood, and their futures. Minimum two years plus commitment.

Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster
(845) 340-9170 x 1005
Kristin Jensen
kristin.jensen@cccsos.org
Catholic Charities has an ongoing need for personal care items to distribute at our client-choice food pantry and Ulster County Warming Center, both located in Kingston. Personal care items needed include: individually wrapped toothbrushes, toothpaste, 2in1 Shampoo/Conditioner, deodorant, body wash, body lotion, baby/body wipes, soap, feminine hygiene products, and diapers.

The Children's Home of Kingston
LaShana Cummings
(845) 532-0211
lashanacummings@chkingston.org
Upgrade Basketball Court

The Children's Home of Kingston
(845) 541-9751
Marianne Gribbon
mariannegribbon@chkingston.org
A chicken coop and feed, bedding, paint, and canvasses, gift cards to local supermarkets for ingredients for the cooking program, kitchen utensils: baking sheets cupcake tins, mixing bowls, etc, Basketballs, Kickballs, Soccer Balls, Volleyballs, Ping pong table, Air hockey, any virtual reality equipment, pickleball equipment.

Wild Earth
(845) 256-9830
Elana Kaufman
hello@wildearth.org
For Leap of Kindness Day, we're reaching out for your support! Wild Earth is a nonprofit that makes nature accessible to youth and adults through outdoor programs. We are in need of monetary donations to make sure no child is turned away due to lack of funds (http://wildearth.org/donate) We are also in need of art supplies, outdoor clothing, and equipment. Your donations ensure that every participant can recreate confidently and comfortably in the outdoors, a right everyone deserves. Thank you!

Here's what our Members are doing to help:

HealthAlliance Hospitals, members of WMCHealth will be at People's Place on February 29th from about 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. They will be doing a food donation drive at the hospital, delivering the items to People's Place, and helping them in the pantry, kitchen, thrift store, and wherever else they may need.

Earl B. Feiden will be participating with HealthAlliance Hospitals, members of WMCHealth. Earl B. Feiden will be donating the use of their box truck and 2 employees to transport food donations to Peoples Place. They will also have one employee volunteering to help at People Place.

Ulster County Italian American Foundation Community Cares group is adopting the SPCA and hosting a Fill-The-Van event.

Rondout Savings Bank will be doing a drive for the YMCA in their Ulster locations the last week of February and on the 29th from 12-2 pm. They will also be holding a donation drive out front of their new branch location - 267 Wall St Kingston.

Kingston Kiwanis Club will be helping R.Y.A.N. House by informing their members what R.Y.A.N. House needs and collecting those items.

Bank of Greene County will be collecting donations for the Ulster County SPCA in their Kingston and Woodstock branches.

Peak Engineering will be collecting and delivering food for Rondout Valley Food Pantry.

Hampton Inn Kingston and New Paltz will each present a check to The COOP Concept immediately following the Leap of Kindness Day Ribbon Cutting ceremony at People’s Place on February 29th.

Leadership Ulster Class will be helping out at People's Place from 1:30 - 4:00 pm.

Tetta's Market and Pizzeria will be collecting Tractor Supply Cards and other donations for Ashokan Equestrian Center for Children With Autism Inc.

Community members, Mario and Natasha Tagliafierro delivered boots and snacks to Ulster YouthBuild the morning of Leap of Kindness Day.

Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union - Highland branch will be delivering coffee and donuts to the New York State Police in New Paltz and the Town of Lloyd Police Department as a thank-you for their service.

Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union - Main Branch and Hurley Avenue Branch will bring bagels and cream cheese to the City of Kingston PD and the Ulster County PD to thank them for their service.

Looking Back on Leap of Kindness Day 2020

Scroll To Top