The LEAD Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to open voting for the 2024 Canstruction for Northern New York “People’s Choice Award.” Voting ends at midnight, Sunday, April 14.
The LEAD Council introduced Canstruction for Northern New York in 2023 to engage local schools and student groups in collecting donated canned food, nonperishable food items, and hygiene products to support regional food pantries or local backpack programs.
Eight finalists submitted projects for “People’s Choice Award” consideration. Please review all photos and videos for each submission. We need YOUR VOTE for your favorite project!
The winner will receive $500 in grant funding to direct to a nonprofit organization of their choice. All awards will be announced on Tuesday, April 16.
This year’s Finalists
- Banford Elementary School, Canton Central with “We CAN build our ABCs”
- Carthage Middle School with “Imagine: Living life with more peace, love and happiness!”
- Clarkson University’s American Society of Civil Engineers with “ASCE City”
- Harrisville Central School with “Go Pirates!”
- Indian River Central School with “Diversity”
- Indian River Intermediate School 5th grade classes with “Earth Can”
- Jefferson-Lewis BOCES Hospitality Services Program with “Bacon & Eggs!”
- Jefferson-Lewis BOCES New Vision Health, Carthage Central School with “America!”
Project videos
Three finalists — Carthage Middle School, Indian River Central School, and Clarkson University — each submitted videos of their projects.
View Carthage Middle School’s video at youtu.be/TKdMbQ5RiU0
View Indian River Central School video at youtube.com/shorts/fCHyJSFrPR8
View Clarkson University’s video at youtu.be/8N5or3TwGpI
Why is Canstruction for Northern New York important?
- Excellent opportunity to support local residents with essential needs
- Instill philanthropic values in students who want to give back
- Build school spirit around a difference-making project
- Compete to win a grant award for another nonprofit you care about most.
Yes, there are other awards, too!
Three $500 grant awards will be decided in the following categories:
- Top Collection Award (most items donated/collected)
- Best Design Award
Each winning team will then distribute its $500 grant award to a local nonprofit organization — federally classified 501(c)3 — serving Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director, at max@nnycf.org to learn more. Good luck!