‘Operation Snowstorm’ to Help Children in Two Lewis County School Districts
WATERTOWN — A Northern New York Community Foundation partnership that helps provide winter clothing to children at two Lewis County schools will continue to make a big difference this year.
The collaboration with the Dyson Foundation called “Operation Snowstorm” supplies students at Lowville Academy and Central School and Beaver River Central School with coats, hats, scarves, mittens, boots, and other necessary winter garments. This year, the two schools will evenly share an $11,500 grant to support Lewis County youth and families.
“With students and families already under heightened pressure, this program has even greater importance this year,” Community Foundation Executive Director Rande Richardson said. “This is exactly the type of support and positivity needed right now as we head toward winter.”
The Community Foundation works with staff at both schools to identify those students with the greatest need. Vouchers are provided to qualifying students and winter clothing items are purchased at the Lowville Farmers Co-Op, which has generously provided a discount to Operation Snowstorm shoppers.
Operation Snowstorm is in its 14th year at Lowville Academy and its ninth year at Beaver River Schools. The program helps nearly 200 Lewis County students each year. Since the partnership began in 2007, more than $120,000 has been provided to support the effort to provide winter attire to those who need it most.
“We are privileged to partner with the Community Foundation to provide warm winter clothing for many of the most vulnerable members of our school community,” Lowville Academy and Central School Superintendent Rebecca Dunckel-King said. “We are truly grateful to be part of a project that has such a positive and immediate impact on those involved.”
The Community Foundation’s work to “improve and enrich the quality of life for all,” means many Lowville elementary, middle, and high school students will receive warm clothing that will keep them safe and healthy during the coming north country winter season, Mrs. Dunckel-King added.
Lowville families in need of support through Operation Snowstorm should contact Becky Tiffany at Lowville Academy, 315-376-9010. Beaver River families who wish to participate should call Dianna Bush at Beaver River Central’s District Office, 315-346-1211, ext. 500.
“This generous support to ensure our students have their outdoor clothing needs met and enjoy outdoor exercise is invaluable to their learning experiences and well-being,” Mr. Green said. “Last year, it allowed us to provide winter clothing to nearly 10 percent of the student body.”
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.