Gloves with Love: How Oswego County Federal Credit Union Got 1,400 Winter Items to Those Who Need Them Most
Photo: Toni Ross, Housing Program Coordinator at Oswego County Opportunities; Kennedie Coyne, Mexico Assistant Branch Manager; and Jose Clavell, Oswego West Branch Manager; share collected items for the Gloves with Love campaign
When the temperatures drop in Oswego County, NY, the need for warm clothing becomes urgent.This winter, Oswego County Federal Credit Union (OCFCU) brought in 1,400 items as part of its annual Gloves With Loves campaign.
OCFCU called on the community to donate new or gently used gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves. Drop-off locations were set up at every OCFCU branch, making it easy for members and neighbors to contribute. The message was simple: every donation counts, and together we can keep Oswego County warm.
The Community Responded
Between items ordered and donations collected from the community, the campaign brought in approximately 1,400 items — all distributed across 8 local organizations:
- Victory Transformation
- Oswego Public Library
- Oswego Police Station
- Oswego County Opportunities
- Mexico Food Pantry
- Child Advocacy Center of Oswego
- Erin's Angels
- Pulaski Community Cupboard
Despite a frigid, snowy weekend with lows at -2 °F that made formal distribution difficult, the team pivoted quickly — donating directly to partner organizations that day to make sure no time was wasted getting warm clothing into the hands of those who needed it most.
Going Beyond Clothing with Starlight
Starlight took the campaign a step further by sharing information on warming shelters throughout the county via a QR code linked to a comprehensive resource list. The goal was to help unhoused individuals not only find immediate warmth, but also learn about local and federal benefits they may be eligible for — connecting people to lasting support, not just a single donation.
Winters in Oswego County are no joke. For families and individuals who are struggling, a warm hat or a pair of gloves can mean the difference between comfort and real hardship. Campaigns like Gloves with Love remind us that credit unions are more than financial institutions — they're community partners, rooted in the places and people they serve.
Published March 17, 2026