Oswego County Children’s Fund Brightens the Holidays for Local Families

OSWEGO – On December 21, 2025, the Oswego County Children’s Fund, Inc. (OCCF) hosted its annual holiday toy giveaway for underprivileged children from throughout Oswego County.
SUNY Oswego’s Swetman Gym was transformed into a festive toy store by more than 150 volunteers over the days leading up to the event, according to OCCF President Carol Lee. This year’s giveaway provided gifts to more than 1,500 children countywide.
“The turnout of volunteers this year was inspiring,” said Lee. Volunteers included members of the SUNY Oswego men’s and women’s hockey teams, Constellation’s James A. Fitzpatrick Clean Energy Center, SUNY Oswego, the Mexico Varsity girls’ basketball team, Fulton 14u Girls Hockey team and the Oswego County Sheriff’s Department, among many others.
Val Mayer, a SUNY Oswego employee and an eleven-year volunteer with OCCF, shared, “Of all the places I volunteer, this is my favorite. I cry at least once during the giveaway as I shop with parents and hear their stories. I love giving back, and this is a great program.”
OCCF is a tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation originally founded by staff at the Oswego County Department of Social Services who recognized the need for a countywide Christmas giveaway. Over time, the organization expanded and now hosts an in-person shopping experience for families of more than 1,500 local children each year.
An adult from each approved family was invited to shop alongside a volunteer “Elf” for each child. Families received toys, stocking stuffers, coloring supplies, games, and wrapping paper.
Numerous community partners helped make this year’s giveaway possible, including SUNY Oswego, Constellation’s James A. Fitzpatrick Clean Energy Center, Huhtamaki, Chris Nelson State Farm Insurance, Daskalakis Psychological Services, PC., Riverview Pediatrics, Shineman Foundation, Oswego County Community Foundation, Constellation Turbine Services, LLC, Oswego County Bar Association, Oswego County District Attorney’s Office, Oswego County Public Defender’s Office, Oswego County Family Court, Lighthouse Lanes, Raby’s Home Center, Stewart’s Shops, Fulton Savings Bank, Oswego County Children’s Board, Pizza Villa, Dunkin’ Donuts, Racemasters, Burke’s Do It Best Home Center, Oswego and Fulton VFW, MACS Class of 1973, Ye Olde Hair Shoppe, Teifke Law Office, Children’s Board of Oswego, Pemberton Associates, Wegmans, Walmart of Central Square, Scriba Meats, Fajita Grill, Riverwalk Pizza, Tully’s, Canale’s Restaurant, Oswego Moose Club, Red Onion Grocery, Three Little Pigs Redemption Center, and many other generous community members.
“The generosity of the businesses, agencies, and individuals in Oswego County was overwhelming and key to bringing a brighter Christmas to our county’s children,” said Erica Cutuli of Constellation’s James A. Fitzpatrick plant.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Oswego County Children’s Fund can visit www.oswegochildrensfund.org or email [email protected].

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