Summer school begins Monday, July 8
It’s a good day when you get to pick out a new winter coat and a great day when your best friend can choose the same one.
That was the case on Monday at Schuyler Achievement Academy for third-graders Tionna Vaughan and Jaliah Haynes, who received winter finery thanks to the 2018 Cash for Coats drive.
The girls’ brand-new coats were among more than 600 donated to four City School District of Albany schools (along with over 3,000 hats, scarves and pairs of gloves). Schuyler is one of the four schools to receive coats, and students, staff and community partners took part in a news conference there announcing the distribution.
“We’re so grateful for this amazing show of generosity from the people and businesses in Albany,” said district Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams.
Cash for Coats is an initiative of Mayor Kathy Sheehan, B. Lodge and Co., Burke Companies and the Palace Theatre. Now in its 11th year, the drive raises money during October and November that goes toward the purchase new coats and winter gear. This year’s drive netted more than $15,000 – the most ever raised.
Superintendent Adams, Schuyler Principal Kendra Chaires-Francis, Mayor Sheehan, Jack and Mark Yonalley of Lodge’s and Susan Fogarty of the Palace Theatre helped students select and try on coats and hats.
The lists of schools receiving coats rotates from year to year; in addition to Schuyler, students at Arbor Hill Elementary, Sheridan Preparatory Academy and Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST) will benefit from this year’s drive.
Lodge’s offered a significant discount on any items purchased for “Cash for Coats,” maximizing the impact of each cash donation. In addition, the Palace Theatre passed around a hat at several concerts and events this fall.
The Albany Police Athletic League, Albany Parking Authority, Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Central Avenue BID and Downtown Albany BID are also sponsors of “Cash for Coats.”
The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and prepare all students for college and career, citizenship and life, in partnership with our diverse community. The district serves about 9,500 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.
