Skidmore Cares donates cash, food to community agencies

Continuing a holiday tradition dating back to 2006, the Skidmore College community this year raised $12,590 in monetary donations and collected 4,912 items of food, provisions, and school supplies to assist individuals in need throughout Saratoga County.

Skidmore President Philip A. Glotzbach and his wife, Marie, initiated the program 11 years ago and since then the college community has donated a total of $82,636 in cash donations, 22,066 food and personal care items and 10,791 school supplies to nonprofit agencies and schools throughout Saratoga County.

Donations were delivered by Skidmore student athletes and employees to 10 community service and nonprofit organizations in Saratoga County.

"Skidmore Cares is one of our most significant expressions of the values and strength of the Skidmore Community," President Glotzbach said. "It was created to provide a concrete way for members of the Skidmore community to come together during the holiday season, to affirm our ties with one another and to give back to the larger Saratoga Springs region.

"Skidmore has always worked to be a good neighbor to the City of Saratoga Springs, which we value deeply. Skidmore Cares is an extension of our work to serve our greater community, and we are pleased to have an opportunity to make a positive difference," he said.

"Phil and I are most grateful for the wonderful participation and generosity of the Skidmore community." said Marie Glotzbach.

Kari Cushing, executive director of the Franklin Community Center, which has been involved with the program for about 10 years, said, "We have come to rely on their large donation to help stock our food pantry shelves during the busy winter months. Last year Skidmore Cares donated more than 1,000 pounds of food. Skidmore students are so enthusiastic and they not only collect food donations, but deliver them to our pantry with smiling faces. We look forward to seeing them each year."

"Throughout the years, Skidmore has been a partner in our work to help area families," said Maggie Fronk, executive director of Wellspring. "Through the Skidmore Cares program and collection efforts, everyone on campus becomes aware of the work of Wellspring in our community. The college's generous donations have helped families with a range of basic needs—food, school supplies, items for children—and helped families escaping abusive situations."

Rebecca Baldwin, executive director of Saratoga Center for the Family, said, "We are deeply touched by what Skidmore Cares does for us. The yearly contributions have a tremendous impact on our success."