Our community did it again, stepping up to keep City School District of Albany students warm this winter.
In the past month, the 18th annual City of Albany Cash for Coats drive collected some $41,000, enough to buy over 900 coats plus 2,000 hats and pairs of gloves that were distributed Monday at several district schools.
A news conference announcing the distribution was held Monday at Roots Academy at West Hill, one of the schools that received coats.
Also at Tuesday's news conference were Mayor Kathy Sheehan, B. Lodge and Co. owners Jack and Mark Yonnally and the Burke Co.'s Tom Burke. Longtime sponsors Dr. Edward Wladis and the Palace Theatre were unable to make the news conference.
Now in its 18th year, the drive raises money during October that goes toward the purchase of 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 list of schools receiving coats varies. This year, in addition to Roots Academy, students received coats and winter gear at Albany High School, Delaware Community School, Giffen Memorial Elementary School, North Albany Middle School, Sheridan Preparatory Academy and William S. Hackett Middle School.
As additional dollars trickle into the drive, the city will provide coats to other district schools.