Skidmore Cares gears up for fourth year of community engagement

Skidmore Cares, launched three years ago by President and Mrs. Glotzbach to enhance the meaning of the annual campus holiday gathering at Scribner House, the president's home, has grown into a program that makes a significant contribution to area families in need.

Skidmore Cares is 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 are again providing the college with a list of foods considered crucial to their operations, and the drive will target those items. Organizers are working with groups of employees, each headed by campus "cheerleaders," to determine specific food items and goals for the various divisions. The school supplies will go to the Corinth School District for students who have a need. Mary's Haven, a local Hospice home, will receive the cash donations.

The program will culminate in December, when food and school supplies will be collected at Scribner House during the annual Holiday Open House on December 13. Faculty, staff and their families will drop their donations in a sleigh on the front yard.  For those unable to attend the event, the sleigh will be available on Friday afternoon, December 11, and all day Saturday, December 12, for "drive-by" donations.

The student component of Skidmore Cares is organized by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The student drive will involve athletic teams and dorm competitions, which will include an opportunity for students to donate "virtual food" through cash donations.

"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."

Last year, Skidmore Cares delivered a total of 82 boxes of food—some 1,200 items—to four local food pantries. In addition, the program raised $550 in cash, which was donated to Shelters of Saratoga for the purchase of fresh vegetables and meats.

For information on foods items needed, visit the website.