Random acts of kindness are not always random. Often, they are the result of people consistently showing up, working together, and doing what needs to be done to support others.
This past fall and winter, NYCM's "Helping Hands" initiative once again brought employees together around a shared goal: helping neighbors during the coldest months of the year. Through donations of winter clothing, toys, food, and groceries, these collective efforts made a meaningful impact across our communities.
Together, these acts of kindness touched the lives of hundreds of individuals.
A Team Effort Rooted in Care
NYCM Helping Hands is supported by employees throughout the organization, but the coordination behind the scenes requires dedication and teamwork.
“Melissa Bevins and I are the main contributors,” shared organizer Marcia McNamara. “All of the admins and assistants help by placing collection boxes in their areas and bringing the winter outerwear and non-perishable food items together for us to sort and deliver.”
That collaboration proved essential this season, as donation boxes quickly filled with coats, hats, gloves, toys, and food. These efforts were fueled by employee generosity, fundraising activities throughout the year, and NYCM’s commitment to matching employee donations.
A Legacy of Giving
While the NYCM Helping Hands name is familiar today, its roots stretch back decades.
“I have records from the late 1990s,” Marcia explained. “I have been personally involved since about 2017. We have not always been known as NYCM Helping Hands. That was developed just before 2020.”
What has remained constant is the commitment to caring for others and strengthening the communities NYCM serves.
Where Kindness Landed This Season
This year’s efforts supported schools, organizations, and residents across the region.
Winter outerwear was delivered to:
• Edmeston Central School
• Mount Markham Central School
• Utica Rescue Mission
Holiday gifts and groceries supported:
• Edmeston Rotary
• West Winfield Optimist Club
• Unadilla Valley School
• Brookfield Central School
• Nearly 20 residents of West Hill Terrace in Edmeston
With the help of the Thankful Thoughts Food Drive, Helping Hands also delivered over 500 pounds of non-perishable food items to Feed Our Vets.
From warm coats to thoughtfully selected gifts, each donation helped meet a real need and offered reassurance to those receiving support.
Seeing the Impact Firsthand
As it was Melissa Bevins' first year participating in Helping Hands, she said there were many meaningful moments. “Throughout each event, donation, delivery, and interaction with recipients, I saw genuine appreciation and a strong sense of inclusion among employees,” she shared.
“Those who donated, participated in raffles, or helped behind the scenes truly felt that Helping Hands belonged to them and that they were contributing to something special. Knowing that families would wake up on Christmas morning able to watch their children open gifts was incredibly rewarding. One especially emotional moment was delivering the outerwear to the Utica Rescue Mission and seeing how overwhelmed and grateful the staff were for the donations,” she added.
Recognizing the People Behind the Scenes
Marcia is quick to emphasize that this work would not be possible without others.
“The admins and assistants play a huge role, and Carrie Tanney Oliver deserves recognition for always keeping us focused on the finances,” she shared.
Acts of kindness take many forms, from organizing and coordinating to donating and delivering. Every role matters.
Small Acts Add Up
National Random Acts of Kindness Day is a reminder that meaningful impact often begins with simple actions. Setting out a collection box, donating a winter coat, or lending a hand can make a lasting difference.
As Marcia shared with employees, “By working together, we can achieve great things.”
This season, those small acts added up to warmth, comfort, and hope. They reflect what is possible when a community comes together with care and purpose.
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