OCC Community Partners

Community and business partners play a vital role in supporting Ossining Children’s Center through volunteer time, material donations, financial contributions, and collaborative fundraising. Their involvement strengthens our programs, expands learning opportunities, and helps keep tuition affordable for local families.

Volunteering

• Classroom and activity volunteers: Employees from local businesses assist teachers with small-group activities, reading, arts & crafts, outdoor play, and enrichment projects. This provides extra adult attention and introduces children to new skills and professions.

• Event volunteers: Community groups help staff festivals, family nights, holiday parties, and seasonal fairs—handling setup, registration, food service, games, and clean-up so events run smoothly and safely.

• Skill-based volunteers: Local professionals provide short workshops or recurring classes (music, science demonstrations, gardening, bilingual story times, health and safety sessions), bringing specialized expertise that broadens our curriculum.

• Facilities and grounds support: Volunteer crews from businesses or civic groups help with playground repairs, painting, landscaping, and other maintenance projects that improve our learning environment.

• Administrative and board volunteers: Local leaders and retirees serve on advisory boards, committees, and as office volunteers for fundraising, grant-writing support, and outreach.

Donations (in-kind and material)

• Educational supplies: Businesses donate books, art materials, manipulatives, educational toys, and classroom furniture to enhance learning centers and seasonal project needs.

• Technology and equipment: Donated tablets, printers, and AV equipment modernize classrooms and support administrative work and parent communication.

• Food and basic needs: Local grocery stores, restaurants, and civic groups contribute snacks for events, holiday meals, or pantry items for families in need.

• Clothing and essentials: Community drives supply coats, shoes, diapers, and toiletry kits for families facing economic hardship.

• Gift-in-kind services: Professional services (plumbing, electrical, legal, marketing) donated by businesses reduce operating costs and free up funds for direct child services.

Financial contributions and sponsorships

• Corporate sponsorships: Local businesses sponsor major events, class projects, scholarship funds, and seasonal programs—often with visible recognition at events or in center materials.

• Employee giving and matching: Companies encourage staff donations through payroll deductions and often match employee gifts, amplifying the impact of individual contributions.

• Grants and foundation support: Local foundations and corporate giving programs provide multi-year grants for program expansion, teacher training, and capital improvements.

• Scholarship funds: Businesses and civic organizations fund tuition assistance so low-income families can access quality preschool and child care.

• Microfundraisers: Businesses host small-scale fundraisers (round-up campaigns, donation jars, point-of-sale appeals) that make giving easy for customers and employees.

Fundraising partnerships and collaborative events

• Joint events: Businesses co-host or sponsor fundraisers such as benefit dinners, auctions, family fun runs, and seasonal fairs that raise unrestricted funds and increase community visibility.

• In-kind auction items and experiences: Local restaurants, stores, and service providers donate gift certificates, products, or experiences to auction off at benefit events.

• Workplace giving events: Companies organize bake sales, dress-down days, and themed fundraisers where proceeds support the center.

• Employee volunteer challenges: Friendly competitions between local companies (most volunteer hours, most funds raised) build engagement and generate additional resources.

• Community campaigns: Local chambers of commerce and civic groups help promote giving drives, food/clothing collections, and back-to-school campaigns supporting families served by OCC.

Impact

• Expanded programming: Donations and volunteers allow OCC to offer extended enrichment (music, STEM, language), field trips, and sensory or therapeutic supports that would otherwise be limited.

• Increased access: Scholarship funding and reduced operating costs from in-kind services keep tuition affordable and enable more children to attend.

• Improved facilities: Volunteer projects and donated equipment create safer, more engaging indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Stronger family support: Financial aid, donated essentials, and coordinated community services reduce family stress and support child well-being.

• Community connection: Partnerships build relationships between local businesses, civic groups, and families—creating a network of support that benefits the whole neighborhood.

Ways to get involved

• Volunteer regularly in classrooms or at events.

• Host or sponsor a fundraising event or match staff donations.

• Donate supplies, equipment, or professional services.

• Create an employee giving campaign or workplace challenge.

• Donate funds to support scholarships and program expansion.

Ossining Children’s Center welcomes partnerships of all sizes. Combined volunteer time, in-kind gifts, and fundraising support directly strengthen our mission to provide high-quality, affordable early childhood education to families across Westchester County.