December 2011

Skidmore Cares gears up for sixth year of community engagement

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.

“Skidmore Cares builds on the heritage of being a good neighbor and encourages participation in a program that will result in a collective Skidmore contribution to Saratoga Springs,” said Marie Glotzbach, who is spearheading the effort. “The program enhances the meaningfulness of the spirit of the season at our annual college gathering. It is especially important to us to give back to our community during these tough economic times.”

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 and Saratoga Springs School Districts and the Latino Advocacy Program of the Saratoga County Equal Opportunity Program. Cash donations will be given to the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County; Mary’s Haven, a local Hospice home; ASPIRe N.Y. (Autism Spectrum Peer Integration & Recreation of New York); and Schoharie County Community Action Program.

Skidmore Cares organizers are working with a group 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 goal of this year’s Skidmore Cares is 100% participation among Skidmore’s faculty and staff.

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.

The fundraising effort for Skidmore Cares was led by 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 two sold-out concerts took place in Zankel on November 11 and 12 and were organized by students in the Beatles seminar taught by Gordon Thompson, professor of music.

Once again the Skidmore Cares sleigh will be parked in front of Scribner House, 791 North Broadway, for donation drop-offs. The sleigh will be in place from Friday Dec. 9, through Sunday, Dec. 11.

Skidmore Cares will culminate in December, when food and school supplies will be collected at Scribner House during the Holiday Open House on December 11. Faculty, staff and their families are asked to drop off their donations in the sleigh.

Last year, Skidmore Cares distributed more than 1,600 food items, nearly 1,100 school supplies and generous cash donations for three local nonprofits.