Our Impact
Every kindness adds up. And when we act together, small things have a big impact right here at home.
Thanking our Veterans
With gratitude for the sacrifices our local veterans and military families have made for all of us, Small Things looks for meaningful ways to say thank you, consistently and close to home.
Through our partnership with Warwick Valley VFW Post #4662, and with their help connecting us with additional Orange County veteran organizations, we’ve been able to turn community donations into direct, local support. Along the way, that support helped the VFW secure a regular brick-and-mortar home, a welcoming place where veterans can gather, connect, and access resources. In recognition of this partnership, Small Things was honored with the Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation.
We also celebrate veteran families throughout the year in ways that feel joyful and personal. One of our favorite shared moments is Kindness 4 Courage, our annual Veterans Day lunch event featuring the Post’s favorite local food trucks. Through our Trucks N Trees community fundraiser, we donate Christmas trees to local households of veterans in need. We’ve also had fun sponsoring food trucks for the Stewart Air National Guard Base.
“We are particularly proud of Small Things’ ongoing efforts to support our beloved veterans and their families, with a special focus on the Warwick Valley VFW Post 4662. Through various events, they consistently raise funds to make a significant impact on the lives of these brave individuals who have selflessly served our country.”
“THANK YOU! for all that you do for the Warwick Valley VFW. Your support is inspiring and appreciated. It allows us to continue to give back to the community and our Veterans.”
Supporting our
Community’s Kids
Our community’s kids matter deeply to us, and so does the shared responsibility of keeping them safe. That’s why some of our most meaningful impact has come through partnering with our Town to strengthen the places where children learn, play, and grow. When the Town identifies a need that we can help meet, we’re grateful to step in.
Working alongside the Town and community donors, we helped expand AED coverage in Town parks, placing lifesaving tools in the spaces where families gather for games, camps, and everyday play. It’s a practical investment that helps residents, coaches, and visitors respond quickly when seconds matter.
We also partnered locally to support summer safety at Mountain Lake Park (MLP) by providing life vests for a youth swim program serving local children supported by the Warwick Area Farmworker Organization (WAFO). For many kids, swim lessons are more than a summer activity. They build confidence and teach an important safety skill. Having properly sized life jackets available means more children can participate safely, practice with confidence, and feel comfortable in the water.
“Our ability to have our students learn how to swim and be safe around water took the whole village and you were part of that effort with the life jackets.”
“Because of your support, children who were not yet confident swimmers were able to safely enter the pool, learn essential water safety skills, and fully participate in the program. Without those lifejackets, many of these kids would never have had the opportunity to get in the water. Thank you for doing a Big Thing! ”
Sharing with our Neighbors
We believe no one in our community should go hungry, especially in the winter months. That simple belief sparked our Winter Soup Program, now five years strong, built on a local network that turns generosity into warm, nourishing meals.
Each season, we partner with local restaurants and our own dedicated volunteers to prepare homemade soups. This supports neighborhood businesses while ensuring the food is fresh, hearty, and made with care. From there, the soups are shared through our partnerships with local food pantries, helping get meals directly into the hands of neighbors who need them most, quickly and close to home.
Over the years, this program has provided thousands of quarts of soup across our community. It’s the kind of impact that happens when many people do a little. Donors give, restaurants cook, pantries distribute, and volunteers make sure the logistics never get in the way of compassion.
This program is funded in part by proceeds from our annual Super Bowl Pool Party fundraiser, turning a fun community tradition into something that helps sustain our neighbors through the coldest months.
“The soup is fantastic… client feedback. We’re so grateful to Small Things Inc that we can offer a no-preparation, warm meal during the winter months!”
“Over the years, Small Things has provided us the opportunity to connect the dots between our local farmers in the black dirt and our passion for hospitality. Providing meals to the food pantries and building bridges that nourish the soul of our love for local. ”
Raising FUNds
We know that doing good feels good. One of our favorite ways to support our work is by raising FUNds. We bring our community together for nights filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a shared purpose. It’s great fun for a great cause, and it celebrates what we love most about where we live: friendships, community spirit, and neighbors coming together.
Our events are designed to be easy to join and genuinely enjoyable. That might be BINGO at the wine bar, coveted bottle locker lottery at the whisky bar, or a chili cookoff at the brewery. These gatherings spark connection, create memories, and remind us how strong a community can be when people show up for one another.
They’re a win for our local spots, too. When we host events at hometown businesses, we’re not only raising funds for local impact. We’re shining a light on the places that make our community special.
Every ticket, raffle entry, and shared laugh helps keep Small Things going, so we can continue sharing kindness close to home through practical support and simple joys.
“We appreciate how much Small Things does for our community. You truly live up to Mother Teresa’s inspiration.””
“Small Things does BIG THINGS for our little community! I have enjoyed watching this nonprofit grow and do such amazing work.”
Recognizing our Seniors
Our seniors are a treasured part of our community. They’ve built the families, neighborhoods, and traditions we love, and we believe they deserve to be celebrated, appreciated, and cared for in tangible ways.
Some of our favorite small things are the sweet and quiet ones. We partner with Schervier Pavilion to deliver flowers and small surprises that bring color, warmth, and bright moments to residents’ days. It’s not grand, and that’s the point. It’s a gentle reminder that this community is thinking of you.
We also love hosting an outdoor planting activity. It’s a chance to get outside, use your hands, and enjoy growing something together. Moments like these can brighten an entire afternoon. We work with local businesses to make it happen, keeping the kindness, and the support, right here at home.
And when the community comes together to celebrate seniors at events like the Town of Warwick Senior BBQ, we’re happy to play a small part there, too.
“Thank you for your contribution to our annual Town of Warwick Senior Barbecue. Your generous donation helps the seniors have a great time. This is a day they look forward to all year, and we truly appreciate your help in making it so special.”
Who We Help