Poughkeepsie Journal, United Way relaunch Holiday Helping Hand campaign for 2026
Holiday Helping Hand , the annual fundraising drive, is back for its 44th year. The Poughkeepsie Journal and the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region have partnered once again for this campaign in the 2026 holiday season. Holiday Helping Hand raises funds for Dutchess County programs that help provide a small amount of assistance for local kids and families who might otherwise have little or nothing for the holidays. According to previous Journal reporting, Holiday Helping Hand was developed in 1982 by former Poughkeepsie Journal Managing Editor Bill Pukmel, who died in October 2011. The local organizations involved will help deliver everything from holiday gifts and visits from Santa to utility assistance and holiday dinners to those who need it most this time of year. The funds raised will go toward the following holiday season's programs. Last holiday season's 193 donors, who gave a total of $22,849.14, are enabling programs to function during the 2026 holiday season. Your generosity is needed now to help families through the 2027 holiday season. To donate, visit uwdor.org/HHH26 or mail a check to Holiday Helping Hand, United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, 75 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Checks should be made payable to
