It's the season of giving, and there's an easy way to share in Utica.

Gov. Cuomo issued an executive order in 2016 requiring homeless shelters to extend their hours, and direct people to shelters if the temperature is 32-degrees or lower.

With all the cold weather, the Rescue Mission of Utica has been bringing people into their recently expanded emergency shelter.

It's now being used by roughly 60 people — about 20 more than last year.

"With that, comes great need. Particularly this time of year we need gloves, hats, socks, coats, scarves, all those things for individuals who are going to be out in the elements," said Rescue Mission of Utica Executive Director Jim Haid.

Donations are accepted at the Rescue Mission of Utica.

A coat drive is also underway.

Coats are accepted at the Rescue Mission, Boscov's in New Hartford and Burlington in North Utica.