Our mission
Giving Friends supports vulnerable families in New York City and surrounding counties helping to build a positive foundation for their future.
We hand deliver gifts of new toys, clothing, school supplies, infant care needs and other essentials during the holiday season and throughout the year.
Giving Friends is funded through grassroots fundraising efforts, community partnerships, local drives, events and corporate sponsorships
Our Story
Over 26 years ago Lynne Corry was homeless and addicted to drugs and alcohol. She found help at a mother and child residential treatment program, where her recovery journey began. Lynne and her son Tyler lived there while she worked hard to build a life for her and her son.
Our Events
Lynne Corry, Founder and CEO of Giving Friends, was a guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show on December 4th. Lynne described how she founded Giving Friends, the mission of Giving Friends, how it evolved from her earlier personal challenges, and how it has grown to serve more than 30,000 vulnerable families in the New York City area. Appearing with Lynne was a Giving Friends recipient, Melinda M., who became a volunteer to give back. The “Rad Human” segment of the Kelly Clarkson Show features inspiring stories of friendship and support.
Our Events
Young Mother’s Program, Holiday 2023
The Giving Friends team of volunteers returned to the Samaritan Daytop Village Young Mother’s Program for the 26th year, with holiday gifts for both mothers and children.
Special thanks to our Corporate Giving Partners, and our Community Giving Partners, Delivering Good and The Toy Foundation.
Get Involved
There are so many ways to become a Giving Friend. Look how far we’ve come already. We started in 1997 bringing Christmas gifts to 40 children. Now we are collecting gifts to distribute to thousands of families and individuals.
Join our mailing list with updates on events, volunteer opportunities and how you and your group can host a community drive.
We Bring Smiles to Those we Serve
In 1997, while a new client at our Young Mothers Program, Lynne Corry launched her first Holiday Toy Drive. Every year since, she has brought joy to clients – and staff members – during the holidays. We at Samaritan Daytop Village are extremely grateful that Lynne and her incredible team of volunteers have turned that first drive into an annual holiday tradition. Lynne’s success has been inspiring. In recent years, we asked for her support to collect toys for the children in our family shelters. She responded with an avalanche of gifts. Lynne has brought so much joy and happiness to hundreds of families in our programs.