Utica, NY – In a moving show of community partnership and compassion, New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (119th District) today announced the launch of her 6th Annual Winter Accessories and Food Drive at the Adirondack Bank Center. Joined by representatives from the Utica Comets, the Save of the Day Foundation, the Utica City Football Club, the Utica Food Pantry, and local first responders, the Assemblywoman celebrated the power of teamwork and generosity in supporting Mohawk Valley families this winter season.

For the past six years, this drive has helped ensure that no family in the community goes cold or hungry. What began as a small effort to collect hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and warm socks has now grown into a regional tradition of giving. This year, for the first time, thanks to the suggestion of the Utica Food Pantry, the drive will also collect food items such as pasta and cereal, to address both hunger and warmth in the Mohawk Valley.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon shared heartfelt remarks about the initiative, saying,

“Every winter, I am inspired by how our community comes together to lift one another up. This drive represents the very best of who we are: neighbors helping neighbors, families helping families, and businesses stepping forward to make a difference. With so many caring partners, we can once again ensure that no child is left cold and no family is left hungry this season.”

The Assemblywoman recognized the continued partnership with the Utica Comets and Save of the Day Foundation, whose collaboration has helped grow the effort year after year. Utica Comets President Rob Esche expressed his pride in the ongoing partnership, saying,

“We want to thank Assemblywomen Buttenschon for choosing Save of the Day and the Utica Comets to help with this great initiative. We have an unbelievable fan base that is always willing to help those in need. The generosity they show each year in filling the bins with Hats and Mittens shows how great of a community we have here.”

Utica City Football Club General Manager Tommy Tanner echoed the sentiment, noting,

“Utica City FC is honored to support the hat and mitten drive again this season. We are always excited to partner with the Comets, the Save of the Day Foundation and Assemblywoman Buttenschon. Being able to help bring warmth and comfort to those in need this winter is a tradition that our organization loves to be a part of.”

This year also marks the addition of Hannaford Supermarkets as a new and generous partner. The Assemblywoman also welcomed new partners this year, including the Utica Fire IAFF, Rome Fire IAFF, Utica Police PBA, and Rome Police PBA unions, with the full support of the first response agencies they represent. Donation bins will be placed at local fire and police departments, making it easier than ever for residents to contribute.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon shared that inviting these agencies to participate was a natural and meaningful decision. First responders already dedicate their lives to protecting and serving the community, and now they’re extending that same service by helping neighbors in need. Because fire and police departments are open 24/7, these new donation locations will make the drive significantly more accessible, allowing residents to drop off items at any time of day or night. This partnership reflects the heart of the initiative itself: a community coming together through compassion, accessibility, and service to ensure that no family is left cold or hungry this winter.

Donations can be dropped off from October through December at the Utica State Office Building (207 Genesee Street, Utica) between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or during Utica Comets and Utica City FC home games at the Adirondack Bank Center (400 Oriskany Street W, Utica). Additional drop-off sites include the Utica and Rome Fire Departments, and Utica and Rome Police Departments, which will serve as convenient and welcoming community collection points.

The drive will benefit local organizations and food pantries that provide critical assistance to families in need throughout the Mohawk Valley.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon concluded,

“I am deeply grateful to all of our partners: the Comets, UCFC, Hannaford, our first responders, and the residents who continue to give so selflessly year after year. Together, we are proving that when a community comes together with compassion and purpose, we can make sure no family is left out in the cold.”

Donation Drop-Off Locations:

1. Utica State Office Building: 207 Genesee Street, Utica
   • Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
2. Adirondack Bank Center: 400 Oriskany St W, Utica, NY 13502
   • During Utica Comets and UCFC home games
3. In front of Rome Fire Department: 158 Black River Blvd N, Rome, NY 13440
4. Utica IAFF Local 32 Headquarters: 29 Shepherd Pl, Utica, NY 13502
5. Utica Police Department Lobby: 413 Oriskany St W, Utica, NY 13502
6. Rome Police Department Lobby: 301 N James St, Rome, NY 13440

The collection will continue through December, with donations distributed to local pantries before the holidays.

Utica Comets Home Hockey Games Schedule:

• Friday, October 10 at 7pm vs Cleveland Monsters
• Saturday, October 11 at 3pm vs Cleveland Monsters
• Friday, October 17 at 7pm vs Rochester Americans
• Sat, Oct 25 at 6:00PM vs Laval Rocket
• Sat, Nov 1 at 6:00PM vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
• Fri, Nov 7 at 7:00PM vs Belleville Senators
• Tue, Nov 11 at 5:00PM vs the Syracuse Crunch
• Fri, Nov 14 at 7:00PM vs Belleville Senators
• Sat, Nov 22 at 6:00PM vs Rochester Americans
• Wed, Nov 26 at 7:00PM vs Syracuse Crunch
• Fri, Dec 5 at 7:00PM vs Bridgeport Islanders
• Wed, Dec 10 at 7:00PM vs Syracuse Crunch
• Fri, Dec 12 at 7:00PM vs Hartford Wolf Pack
• Sat, Dec 13 at 6:00PM vs Springfield Thunderbirds
• Fri, Dec 19 at 7:00PM vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins