NiskyRotary.com - COATS FOR KIDS

A Rotary Story: We are often asked, “What does Rotary Do?”

Answer: Every Club does different things, depending on who comes to the table. For example, in 2024, one Club Member became aware that some children did not have winter coats. Imagine walking to school in the cold and snow! So a Coat Drive was proposed. The Club, the local Schools and Businesses all lent their support. Then came the joy of distributing the coats. In one classroom, the teacher was particularly excited, saying now her class can play outdoors during recess! Imagine how thrilled that one Club Member was to be of service.

What could any of us have done on our own? Rotary inspires us and it opens the doors to make things happen.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

If you would love to help collect or distribute coats, call Secretary Lon Penna at 518-312-6588.
If you are interested in becoming a Rotarian, Lon can connect you with a club near you in any one of nearly 200 countries!
And please, feel free to mimic this project wherever you see a similar need. Feel free to call to learn what worked for us.

The Full Niskayuna Rotary Story: We are often asked, “What does Rotary Do?” The answer is that every Rotary Club does different things, depending on who comes to the table. For example, last year, Niskayuna Rotarian Cathy Lucas became aware that some local children did not have winter coats. These children walk to school in the cold and snow! So, Cathy suggested that the club conduct a “Share the Warmth” coat drive. The club voted “YES”, and started pitching in. Lois Mills, Jeanne Sosnow and Liz Zahdan all helped tremendously right from the beginning. Cathy purchased the large collection boxes to place in the Niskayuna Schools. The Niskayuna School Superintendent Carl Mummenthey and the, Assistant Superintendents were extremely supportive. District Clerk Cynthia Gagnon arranged for placing the collection boxes in the schools. The response from the Niskayuna Schools was overwhelming and oh so heartwarming. Some families went so far as to donate new coats.

Then came the joy of distributing the coats. In one classroom, the teacher was particularly excited and grateful. She told Cathy that starting today, she can finally allow her class to play outdoors during recess! Cathy shared with the club how at that moment, she knew why she was a Rotarian.

This year, Lowes donated the large collection boxes. Our Treasurer Jeanne Sosnow made the flier to put on the boxes. Our President Elizabeth Paul is asking her church to accept a collection box. Lois’ daughter Courtney is doing the same. Rotarian John Parslow happens to volunteer weekly at Treasures in Saratoga, and they were happy to give John seven children’s coats. On Oct 25, 2025, Trustco Bank on Balltown Road welcomed one of the coat collection boxes. And so it goes. ROTARY CONNECTS & OPEN DOORS.

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