While picking up coffee or groceries at a Stewart’s Shops, you might notice a holiday match container by the register. That’s because every Stewart’s collects donations for its highly successful Holiday Match Program.

Stewart’s Shops across New York participate in the program. Customers donate any spare change they may have, and Stewart’s matches each donation penny for penny and dollar for dollar.

Stewart’s Director of Public Affairs Erica Komoroske said the program has been going on for decades, and has raised over $34 million for children’s charities.

“it's really a community effort, though, because these buckets at the register that you'll see, customers just drop their spare change, whether it be a penny or $1," Komoroske said. "And the great thing about it is that Stewart’s matches those funds we collect from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, and all the funding goes to nonprofits. We impacted over 1,700 children's charities just last year alone."

Komoroske said the money stays locally and helps children all year long.

“Just drop your change or your dollar, or even a personal check at the register, and stores will match every single gift that is given to the Holiday Match Fund,” said Komoroske.

The donations hit close to home for Heidi Kerschner, CEO and president of the YMCA in Kingston and Ulster County.

“There's a lot of kids in our community that can't necessarily afford the programming that we offer, like camp or basketball or swim lessons, which is near and dear to my heart," Kerschner said. "And so, the funding that we get from Stewart’s Holiday Match provides the funding for these youth to participate in a much needed program.”

She said the partnership with Stewart’s makes a big impact on the youth in Ulster County. So far this year, the program has already raised more than $650,000.

“When they're at the Y, we know they're not out doing other things, or possibly getting into mischief that they, you know, might regret at a later point in time," Kerschner said. "So, we love having the kids, but it also gives us a chance to talk to them get together you know, give them a little direction, give them encouragement.”

For Stewart’s customer Johanna Bryant, this is what Christmas is all about — giving back.

“I think Stewart's does a great job," Bryant said. "And I have to say all the people here are always friendly, and it's a wonderful thing for them to do this for the community.”

The last day to donate is Christmas Day.