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Holiday Assistance Applications Open — Apply by Nov. 21!
About the Holiday Assistance Program
The Holiday Assistance Program is an initiative of Community Action Angels at ACCORD. Each year, the program provides gifts and gift cards to children and youth in Allegany County whose families have limited incomes and may not be able to provide holiday gifts without additional support.
The holiday season should be filled with joy, connection, and tradition. Yet for many households, limited incomes and rising costs can make it difficult to provide the extras that make the holidays special, and children may miss out on experiences that create belonging and happy memories. The Holiday Assistance Program helps ease this burden by providing meaningful support, so families can focus less on financial strain and more on spending time together, sharing traditions, and creating positive holiday moments.
⚠️ The program is limited to the donations we receive. Availability of gifts and gift cards depends on community generosity, and capacity may vary from year to year.
Impact: In 2024, more than 300 children received gifts and support through this program. Families shared that the assistance not only brought joy to their children, but also reduced stress, restored dignity, and strengthened their sense of community.
How It Works & How to Apply
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Full ACCORD Intake Required: Families must complete a full ACCORD Intake to be considered for holiday assistance.
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Proof of Income: Applications must include proof of current income for all household members.
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Residency: Families must live within the program’s designated service areas.
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Referrals to Local Town/School Programs: Families are always referred to town or school holiday programs first when those exist and a child qualifies. The Holiday Assistance Program steps in only when no local program is available or when a child does not meet that program’s eligibility requirements. This ensures families still have access to holiday support when other options aren’t available.
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Application Period: October 1 – November 21.
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Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Support is limited to the donations we receive, so capacity may vary each year.
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Ways to Apply:
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In Person: ACCESS Center, 84 Schuyler Street, Belmont, NY. Hours posted at accordcorp.org/food.
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By Phone: Call the Holiday Assistance Line at 585-449-0271 and leave a message with your full name and a valid contact number. ⚠️ Only one return call attempt will be made.
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After You Apply: A staff member or volunteer will call to complete the full application and provide next steps.
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Important: Completing an intake does not guarantee registration. Capacity is limited.
Ways You Can Help Spread Holiday Cheer
Your generosity makes the season brighter for children and families across Allegany County. Every contribution—whether large or small—helps ensure that children experience the joy and dignity of receiving holiday gifts.
🎁 Donate Items
We are currently accepting:
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New, unwrapped toys
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New clothing
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Gift cards (great for teens and older youth)
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Wrapping paper and gift supplies (tape, bows, gift bags)
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Monetary contributions (every dollar helps us reach more families)
📍 Drop-Off Location
Donations can be dropped off at the:
ACCESS Center
84 Schuyler St, Belmont, NY
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
💌 Mail Monetary Gifts
ACCORD Corporation – CAA Holiday Gift Program
P.O. Box 573
Belmont, NY 14813
🌐 Donate Online
Make a secure contribution anytime at ACCORD's Givebutter Holiday Assistance Page
🙌 Volunteer Your Time
Volunteers are essential to making the Holiday Assistance Program possible. Opportunities include:
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Collecting and sorting gifts
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Organizing wrapping supplies
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Distributing gifts to families
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Assist with contacting families for applications and follow-up.
To volunteer, email bknight@accordcorp.org or contact Belinda Knight, Community Operations Director, at 585-268-7605, ext. 1340.