Skidmore Cares gears up to help out the community

Skidmore Cares, launched in 2006 by President Glotzbach and Marie Glotzbach, to enhance the meaning of the annual campus holiday gathering at Scribner House, has grown into a program that makes a significant contribution to area families in need. This year, during the Glotzbachs' sabbatical leave, the event will be overseen by Acting President Susan Kress and her husband, Jack Kress, and will take place at the College's Surrey Williamson Inn.

The program is once again coordinating the efforts of faculty, staff, and students in the collection of food, school supplies, and money to benefit local agencies. Four local food banks have provided a list of foods considered crucial to their operations, and the drive will target those items. The school supplies will go to the Corinth School District and the Latino Advocacy Program of the Saratoga County Equal Opportunity Program.Cash donations will be given to Mary's Haven, a local Hospice home, and to ASPIRe N.Y. (Autism Spectrum Peer Integration & Recreation of New York).

Skidmore Cares organizers have worked with groups of employees, designated as campus "cheerleaders," to determine specific items and goals for the various divisions of the College. The cheerleaders will spearhead the collection effort.

The student component of the program is being organized by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The student drive will focus on the collection of food and cash within the residence halls. 

The fundraising effort for Skidmore Cares is well on its way, thanks to the donation of the proceeds from this year's "Beatlemore Skidmania," the College's annual concert of Beatle music performed by students, faculty, and staff. The Nov. 21 concerts - there were two due to the overwhelming demand for tickets - were organized by "The Music Between Us" Scribner Seminar, taught by Professor of Music Gordon Thompson.

Skidmore Cares will culminate in December, when food and school supplies will be collected at the Surrey Williamson Inn during the Holiday Open House on December 12. Faculty, staff, and their families are asked to drop off their donations in a sleigh in the Surrey's front yard. For those unable to attend the event, the sleigh will be available for "drive-by" donations over that weekend.  

Last year,Skidmore Cares distributed 900 food items, more than $800, and a wide array of school supplies.

For more information and a list of items needed click here .