The Albany County Legislative Black Caucus and the Legislative Women’s Caucus are collecting non-perishable food items, feminine hygiene products, infant formula, diapers, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and financial support for both the 7th Annual Martin Luther King Food Drive and a Women’s & Children Supplies Drive that started yesterday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20. Both drives are sharing drop off locations and running through Tuesday, February 18.

Food and financial donations will support the Northeastern Regional Food Bank, while supplies will go to the Albany County Sheriff’s Homeless Improvement Project (SHIP) which opened a new wing earlier this month to serve as transitional housing for women and children experiencing homelessness.

Financial donations can be made online at give.regionalfoodbank.net/give/443930/ or by contacting the Legislative Black Caucus' Offices at (518) 447-4944 or AlbanyCountyLBC@albanycountyny.gov. 

More details about the Women’s and Children’s Supplies Drive are available by contacting Albany County Legislature Director of Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Elena Cenko at 518-447-7039 or Elena.Cenko@albanycountyny.gov.

In-person donations can be dropped in collection boxes at:

• Harold L. Joyce County Office Building (112 State St., Albany, NY 12207)
• Albany County Courthouse (6 Lodge St., Albany, NY 12207)
• MVP Arena (51 S Pearl St., Albany, NY 12207)
• Albany Black Chamber of Commerce & Social Club (141 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210)
• North Albany American Legion Post 1610 (35 N 1st St., Albany, NY 12204)
• Albany County Sheriff's Office (16 Eagle St., Albany, NY 12207)
• Albany County Sheriff’s Patrol Station (58 Verda Ave., Clarksville, NY 12041)

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: We are coming out of the holiday season, but the need to support our fellow citizens does not end. As a legislature, we are proactively setting up programs and working with partners in the County Executive’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, our colleagues in state government, and our municipalities throughout the county, but there is always a need for physical products. We encourage everyone who can give to do so.

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: Big change begins with small acts of kindness, and the Legislative Black Caucus of the Albany County Legislature and the Legislative Women’s Caucus recognize the need for unity throughout the county. We all know the kind of leader Dr. King was, and his compassion, his empathy, and his wisdom still drive us to go to the next level when it comes to supporting everyone in need.

Albany County Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus Carolyn McLaughlin said: As we come together for the 7th Annual MLK Food Drive, organized by the LBC in partnership with the Albany County Legislature and the LWC, we are deeply inspired by the enduring spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His dedication to service and justice lights our path as we work to uplift those in need. In these challenging times, his legacy calls us to unite in compassion and action. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, embodying Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community rooted in care and equity.