SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Saratoga County has launched a series of initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and enhancing community engagement. Notable among these is the Chamber of Commerce’s **Love Our Locals $20.25** program, which began on **November 1, 2024**, and will continue until the end of the year.
The **Love Our Locals** initiative encourages residents and visitors to contribute to the local economy by spending or donating **$20.25** or more at any business or non-profit organization in the county. Participants can submit their receipts online at **www.saratoga.org/love-our-locals** to enter a weekly drawing for **$100** gift cards redeemable at various local establishments. This campaign is designed to support a wide range of sectors, including retail, dining, services, and entertainment.
The program, now in its fifth year, originally began as “Save Our Locals $20.21” during the pandemic and has since garnered over **2,000** entries, contributing significantly to the economic recovery of the area. “We are proud of how this initiative has grown over the past four years,” said **Todd Shimkus**, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “Love Our Locals was created to energize our local economy and encourage area residents to shop local.”
In addition to this initiative, the **Toys for Toga** holiday drive has returned for its **13th year**, having already brightened the holidays for over **1,500** children annually. In **2024**, the campaign set a record by collecting over **4,500** toys and raising more than **$12,000** for local children. Community members are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys at more than **100** locations throughout the county from **November 3 to December 12**. Contributions can also be made through an online campaign via GoFundMe or directly to the **Saratoga County Foundation**. The collected toys and funds will be distributed among three local organizations: **Franklin Community Center**, **CAPTAIN Community Human Services**, and the **Mechanicville Area Community Services Center**.
Those aged **21 and older** can further support the cause by purchasing a **4-pack** of **Druthers Toys for Toga Winter Ale**, available at local grocery stores, or by enjoying a **Sun Cruiser Vodka Iced Tea** or **Saratoga Water** at participating locations. Each of these beverages contributes to the Toys for Toga mission, helping to provide toys for children in need.
Restaurant Week Celebrates Local Culinary Talent
A third initiative, the **20th anniversary** of Discover Saratoga’s **Saratoga County’s Original Restaurant Week**, runs from **November 3 to November 9, 2024**. This week-long event offers diners the chance to enjoy three-course meals priced at **$25** or **$35**, plus tax and gratuity, at various participating restaurants throughout the county. Some establishments will also feature lunch specials for **$15**.
Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga, expressed enthusiasm for the milestone, stating, “We’re thrilled to celebrate **20 years** of Saratoga Restaurant Week — an event that continues to highlight the incredible culinary talent and creativity found throughout our county.” Participating restaurants include notable names such as **Bocage Champagne Bar**, **Hattie’s Restaurant**, and **The Wishing Well**.
For those interested in the participating restaurants and menu offerings, further details are available at **https://www.discoversaratoga.org/events/restaurant-week/**.
These initiatives not only seek to bolster local businesses and foster community spirit but also provide residents and visitors alike with opportunities to engage with the vibrant culture of Saratoga County. As these programs unfold, they promise to deliver significant benefits to the local economy and enhance the sense of community in the region.
