Backyard Hope, Inc.

06/03/2026

Thank you to our friend Lex at Free Food Fridays for helping out Backyard Hope with getting items to some of those affected by the John Street fire. Today we were able to drop off dozens and dozens of donations from food, to hygiene products, toys, clothing and even new pillows. This community is not only full of generous donors, but also people willing to do the hard work too. Thank you Lex.

Follow her page. ❤️

Put together a few little snack boxes with some of the donations received to go towards those affected by the fire that were in contact with. This would not be possible without community support. Thank you everyone.

06/02/2026

💙 Thank You, Safe Schools Mohawk Valley 💙

Backyard Hope would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Safe Schools Mohawk Valley for being the presenting sponsor for Utica Unity Weekend! Your support helps make it possible for us to bring together local youth, families, organizations, and community leaders for a weekend centered around connection, service, wellness, and community pride.

Thank you for investing in our youth and for helping us build a stronger, safer, and more united community. We are proud to have you as a partner in this important work!

06/01/2026

Backyard Hope & the City of Utica Youth Bureau are excited to announce sponsorship opportunities for our upcoming Utica Unity Weekend!

This 4-day community event will lead up to our annual Community Closet Giveaway, where we provide free clothing and hygiene products to local families in need. Sponsorships will help fund the community events taking place Thursday through Sunday and help us continue making a difference in our community.

A special thank you to Safe Schools Mohawk Valley for being one of our presenting sponsors for Unity Weekend. We truly appreciate your support and commitment to our community!

If you or your business would like to support Unity Weekend, please check out the sponsorship packages below!

📧 [email protected]

05/30/2026

Huge thank you to everyone who came out for our volunteer day today! We had an amazing group of people helping sort, fold, organize, and pack orders. We’re so grateful for the support and for everyone who continues to show up and help us make a difference in our community. ❤️

We couldn’t do it without you all!

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

‼️SAVE THE DATE‼️

🎉❤️ UTICA UNITY WEEKEND ❤️🎉

Presented by: Utica Youth Bureau, Backyard Hope, Inc. & Safe Schools Mohawk Valley

Join us for THREE FREE community events ALL at the Utica Rec Center!

🗓️June 12th–14th
📍 Utica Rec Center

🎈 FUN FRIDAY
🗓 June 12th | 2PM–5PM
For Utica residents ages 12–17
Bounce houses, gym activities, arts & crafts, pizza party, music & more!

🎡 CARNIVAL DAY
🗓 June 13th | 12PM–3PM
For elementary, middle & high school students
Face painting, photo booth, activity stations, popcorn, cotton candy & fun for the whole family!
Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

👕 COMMUNITY CLOSET DAY
🗓 June 14th | 9AM–11AM or whole supplies last
FREE new & gently used clothing, shoes, hygiene products & more available for men, women & children.
Please bring your own bags!

Join us for three days filled with community and fun!🎉

05/28/2026

For those of you interested in volunteering this Saturday at Backyard Hope, we will be at 1557 Steuben Street, Utica, NY (Padula Roofing) from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, volunteers will be helping sort hygiene products, organize and box clothing, and prepare supplies for upcoming community outreach efforts.

We recommend volunteers are comfortable standing for periods of time and lifting up to about 10 lbs. Any amount of time you can

Thank you!

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

Just a reminder that we are no longer accepting clothing donations at this time, as we are currently at capacity while we sort, pack, and deliver existing orders.

Thank you all for the overwhelming support and understanding ❤️🫶🏼