In a record-breaking outpouring of community support, more than 1,500 brand-new new winter coats have been donated to City School District of Albany students.
The City of Albany’s annual month-long Cash for Coats drive collected over $45,000, enough to buy the coats plus 3,500 hats and pairs of gloves, some of which were distributed Monday and the rest the will be distributed next week.
A news conference announcing the successful drive was held Monday at Philip J. Schuyler Achievement Academy, one of the schools that received coats.
"We know the crucial role attendance plays in a student’s academic success, and the correlation between attendance and the ability of children to get to school safely and warmly is clear. It’s important for our students to be in school, and they can’t get there during the difficult winter months without appropriate outerwear,” said Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams.
Also at Monday's news conference were Mayor Kathy Sheehan, B. Lodge and Co. owners Jack and Mark Yonnally, United Way of the Capital Region CEO Peter Gannon, Dr. Edward Wladis, Palace Theatre Executive Director Kevin Johnson, Albany Elks Lodge 49 Exalted Ruler Patty Lennox, and Tom Burke of Burke Companies, a generous and longtime donor to the campaign. All were sponsors of this year's campaign. An additional sponsor, Dr. Edward Wladis, was unable to make the news conference.
Now in its 15th year, the drive raises money during October and November that goes toward the purchase new coats and winter gear for students in need. Each year, Lodge's offers a significant discount on any items purchased for Cash for Coats, maximizing the impact of each cash donation.
The lists of schools receiving coats rotates from year to year. In addition to Schuyler, students received or will receive coats and winter finery at Albany High School, Albany International Center, Arbor Hill Elementary, Giffen Memorial Elementary, North Albany Middle School, Sheridan Preparatory Academy and William S. Hackett Middle School.
"I know I speak for everyone in the school district when I say that I am profoundly grateful to everyone who helped make this possible. This is Albany at its very best. You are truly 'all in for Albany.' Thank you," Adams said.
