November 2026 News & Happenings | | |
FCC's programs and services are doing un-be-leaf-able work as we continue to provide vital resources to our community members. From emergency food assistance, to clothing and household essentials, to support for kids - our programs are falling into giving as we help so many in our community, and it's all thanks to you!
Read on to see updates, recaps, and to find out how you can help FCC! Including supporting our Holiday Assistance Program, voting for FCC through Target Circle, previewing our Annual Appeal, and more!
| | Support Our Holiday Assistance Program! | | |
Each year, we serve nearly 1,000 children through our Holiday Assistance program, and we need YOU to make it possible again this holiday season!
There's two ways to support the program:
- Adopt A Child - Want to help spread the holiday cheer to a local child in need? We'll match you with a child's wish list and you'll shop for toys, gifts, clothing, and winter essentials directly from their list and help make their holiday wishes come true! Want to extend your support even further? When you sign up to sponsor 2 or more children, we'll work to match you with siblings, meaning your support ensures an entire local family has a joyous holiday!
- Holiday Shopping - Want to shop on your own? You can purchase new, unwrapped toys, games, and activities that will help stock our Holiday Shop, where families who are not matched through the Adopt A Child program visit FCC to select items for their children.
Ready to make a difference? For both Adopt A Child and Holiday Shopping, please fill out the donor form linked below to let us know you're ready to support the effort. Please give our team time to find the perfect match for you or to create a list of needed items for you to shop from - we will be in touch soon!
Thank you for helping us spread the holiday magic!
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Smart Giving:
Amplify Your Legacy
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Interested in learning how you can make a lasting impact through charitable giving? Join Franklin Community Center and other local nonprofits for a free educational evening on Tuesday, November 17th from 5:30-7:30PM at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
Hear from financial professionals Christopher Smith and Michael Okby of Morgan Stanley and attorney Megan Harris-Pero of Harris-Pero Law Firm, PLLC, about planned giving, estate planning, and ways to support the causes you care about.
Enjoy an informative presentation, opportunities to ask questions, and a chance to connect with local nonprofits, including Franklin Community Center!
Free to attend. We hope to see you there!
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Target Circle™: Vote For FCC!
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Have you voted yet for FCC through Target Circle™? You can vote for FCC in the Target app to direct Target funds that support our work.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Choose “My Target” in the Target app, or click the link here
Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’
Step 3: Find FCC & vote
Votes can be cast now through December 31st. Every time you shop at Target with a Target Circle™ account, you earn one vote. Make sure to keep voting for FCC throughout this holiday season as you shop at Target!
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Exciting news from the Free Store! Donations will now be accepted during our Drop-In Donation Hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 1PM and 3PM, no appointment needed! Other days and times are available by online appointment.
Drop-In Donation Hours are subject to volunteer availability. If we reach capacity, donations will be closed for the remainder of the time slot. A sign will be posted on the door indicating the limit.
Due to the holidays in November: The Free Store will be closed for both shopping and donations on November 11th. The Free Store will be open for shopping Monday-Wednesday the week of Thanksgiving, but will not take donations on November 26th. The Free Store will be closed for both shopping and donations on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.
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Community In Action:
October Volunteer Groups
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In October, we hosted 4 different corporate and community volunteer groups! 25 total volunteers from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake CSD Community Transitions Class, Saratoga Casino Hotel, James's Warriors, and Grace Fellowship helped us fulfill our mission by assembling Snack Packs for the Food Pantry, assisting with passing out costumes and food and running activities at Project Lift's Halloween Spooktacular Event, and unloading and organizing 4,750+ pounds of items from the fall Hoffman Car Wash Food Drive.
We are grateful for the support of our local community and business partners!
| | Calling All Heroes! FCC's Annual Appeal | |
Have you been following along with our comic book reveal on our social media pages? There's only one more panel left to unveil. Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram pages this Sunday to see the final panel and discover the full story leading up to this year's Annual Appeal campaign.
Want to pledge your support now and be one of FCC's heroes? Click below!
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Thank You, Broadview Federal Credit Union!
We are incredibly grateful to Broadview Federal Credit Union for their generous investment in the individuals and families we serve. Broadview has awarded $5,000 in support of our Emergency Food Pantry, helping us provide essential groceries and meet the growing needs of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
In addition, FCC was awarded a grant in the amount of $8,500 to help us advance important safety improvements in and around our campus buildings, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for the individuals, families, staff, and community members who visit us. Support like this goes beyond meeting immediate needs; it strengthens our ability to provide essential services and maintain a safe, accessible place for our community. Thank you, Broadview, for being such a valued community partner!
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Saratoga Casino Hotel Foundation Supports Project Lift
We were honored to receive a generous $2,000 grant from the Saratoga Casino Hotel Foundation at an award ceremony held during last month’s Saratoga County Board of Supervisors meeting. This funding will support our long-standing after-school program, Project Lift, helping us expand access to additional students while maintaining the safe, supportive environment that makes the program so effective. Most importantly, this investment will allow us to reach students who have already been identified as needing additional support, giving them opportunities to build positive relationships, strengthen important life skills, and gain the confidence and support they need to thrive. We are grateful to both the Foundation and the elected officials of Saratoga County for recognizing the value of this program and investing in the success of our community’s children.
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Urgent Needs
Each week, we share our most urgently needed items for each of our programs on our social media pages.
Check the pinned posts on Facebook/Instagram or the Urgent Needs tab on our website to see what we are in need of most and how to donate them!
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CLYNK for Change for FCC
Want to help the environment while helping raise funds for FCC? Join our partnership with CLYNK today!
Already a CLYNK member? Select FCC as your recipient in your account and the funds from your bags will benefit FCC.
New to CLYNK? Sign up through the form on our website and we will get you your bags/tags for FREE!
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Community Based Events
FCC is excited to partner with local businesses and organizations for community based events to help support our mission!
Coming up: Target Circle Community Giving Program, 50/50 Raffle at Harvey's Bills Backers, Toys For Toga, Caffe Lena TrueSongs, Second Sunday Market Can Drive, Fashion-A-Fare Fundraiser, Holiday Hockey Classic, and more!
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Please be advised that Franklin Community Center will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. This includes all of our programs and facilities.
We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to plan ahead.
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Franklin Community Center | 95 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
www.franklincommunitycenter.org | (518) 587-9826
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