Proceeds to help BOCES staff impacted by hurricane aftermath

The devastation of Hurricanes Irene and Lee impacted many BOCES staff, students and their families, claiming homes, belongings and pets, disrupting daily life, school and work, and necessitating massive cleanup and recovery efforts. Students and staff at both Career & Tech School campuses suffered losses, particularly those living in Schoharie County and along the Hudson and Mohawk rivers.

At the September Opening Day and in the weeks that followed, Capital Region BOCES showed how it takes care of its own and their communities, raising more than $7,000 in cash and donations to help storm victims.

More than $1,800 was raised during Opening Day, including donations of cash, food, cleaning and household supplies, and gift cards and a $500 donation from SAANYS. First New York Federal Credit Union donated $1,500 worth of school supplies to help storm victims at both Career & Tech campuses. Key Bank donated another $250 in cash.

The Capital Region BOCES Faculty Association made a very generous, additional cash donation of $3,500 toward the Hurricane Relief Effort, to further help BOCES staff and students recover from the storms.

On a related note, Career & Tech staff and students active in the SkillsUSA organization are applying for a grant from Lowe's to restore and repair hurricane damage at LaSalle and Fox Creek parks and Sloansville Valley Cemetery in Schoharie County. Schoharie Career & Tech students are hoping to build including a pavilion, picnic tables, benches and grills, and grade and repave roads at the parks and replace a shed at the cemetery. Schoharie Campus and New York State SkillsUSA President Dallas Mesick will present to the BOCES Board of Education on Oct. 17 about the project.

[10/14/11]