‘Operation Snowstorm’ Outfits Nearly 140 Children in Two School Districts With Winter Clothing
WATERTOWN — Nearly 140 children in two Lewis County school districts are staying warm this season thanks to a Northern New York Community Foundation partnership that helped provide much-needed winter clothing.
“Operation Snowstorm,” a collaboration with the Dyson Foundation, outfits students at Lowville Academy and Central School and Beaver River Central School with coats, hats, scarves, mittens, boots, and other essential winter garments.
This winter, an $11,500 grant was split evenly between the two schools, which helped to warm 87 Lowville Academy students and 47 Beaver River students.
“We are grateful for this important partnership with the Dyson Foundation to make a meaningful difference for students in Lewis County,” said Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director. “The two districts are outstanding stewards of this charitable funding that provides a boost for families during a challenging time of year. We are fortunate for the Dyson Foundation’s commitment to Lewis County and look forward to building upon this initiative.”
The Community Foundation works with staff at both schools to identify students with the greatest need. Vouchers are provided to qualifying students and winter clothing items are purchased at the Lowville Farmers Co-Op, which generously provides a discount to Operation Snowstorm shoppers. Students also had the option to order items online this year.
Operation Snowstorm is in its 17th year at Lowville Academy and the 12th year that Beaver River has participated in the initiative. The program helps an average of 150 Lewis County students annually. Since the partnership began in 2007, more than $150,000 has been provided to support the effort to secure winter attire for those who need it most.
“The support we receive from the Dyson Foundation and the Northern New York Community Foundation makes a significant difference in the lives of our children,” Lowville Academy and Central School Superintendent Rebecca Dunckel-King said. “We are truly grateful to be a part of a project that has such an immediate and positive impact on those involved.”
Mrs. Dunckel-King noted that staff members have received many thanks from grateful parents and continue to witness excited children showing off their new coats.
Beaver River staff saw a nearly 21 percent increase in student participation this year as many more families were in need.
“The generosity of the Northern New York Community Foundation to spend $5,750 on winter clothing for our students is greatly appreciated. This allowed us to provide winter attire to 31 families for 47 Beaver River students,” Beaver River Central School Superintendent said Todd Green said. “This program was an absolute success and we thank you for the opportunity.”
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.
