# 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 Love 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_