Hygiene Kit Donations Excelsior Chapter
Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs were happy to receive donations of Care Kits for women, men, and children. According to Jackie Ward, Program Director of Domestic Violence Program “these Care Kits are very much appreciated in helping us assist the individuals that come to us for services. We are thankful that the Leatherstocking Club thought of our Programs at Catholic Charities.
The Domestic Violence Program of Herkimer County provides assistance to victims of domestic violence throughout Herkimer County. The Domestic Violence Program of Herkimer County offers residential and non-residential services to victims/survivors of domestic violence, their children, and secondary victims (friend, parent, sister, etc.). In addition to safe housing they provide supportive individual counseling, advocacy and accompaniment with the criminal justice systems, housing, hospitals, human service agencies, and all areas as requested; information and referral; follow up services; and supervised visitation, transportation and OVS compensation claims assistance. A twenty-four-hour hotline is available for supportive services and crisis intervention at 315-866-0458.
The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program works with youth under the age of 21 who have run away from home, been kicked out of their home, or are homeless. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program is the only service of its kind in Herkimer County and has assessment services available 24-hours a day. We provide services in the areas of temporary, emergency housing, crisis intervention, individual and family counseling, positive youth development, community outreach, life skills training, and mentoring. We also provide tangible items to youth in need, including clothing and personal care items. A 24-hour hotline is available at 315-866-1112.
Pictured accepting the Care Kits are: Front row, Catrina DVP; Midge Brandao Excelsior Chapter 98 President; Rachael Case Program Director RHY. Back row are Mike Markham Excelsior Chapter 98 Treasurer; Jackie Ward Program Director DVP; Jacquelyn Schmidt Leatherstocking Club Publicity; Don Peterson Leatherstocking Club President.
Elves deliver holiday joy to Elmcrest
Children in Elmcrest’s Cottage Seven rip into their gifts on Christmas morning.
The holidays were merry and bright for children served by Elmcrest, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of people who provided Christmas presents.
“It restores hope for the kids,” said Janene Bartell, who coordinates the fulfillment of wishlists from Elmcrest’s 60 residential children. “They know that people in the community care about them, that they’re not forgotten.”
Donors also gave gifts to make Christmas special for other children served by Elmcrest. Board members adopted 61 families of children receiving Elmcrest’s community-based services. Another 40 children in Elmcrest’s inclusive early education program also received gifts.
Each on-campus child received at least five gifts, and they are truly grateful, said Mike Rouse, program supervisor for Cottage Seven, where nine children between the ages of eight and 12 live. Besides unwrapping presents, the children’s big day included three home-cooked meals (including make-your-own pizza), holiday movies, and lots of playing with new toys and activity kits while listening to holiday music, Mike said. At one point, a nine-year-old boy stood up and clapped his hands for attention, Mike said.
“He said, ‘I’d like to take a moment to thank the staff for cooking for us, setting up all these activities and making sure we had a good day,’” Mike said. The other children clapped in appreciation.
Many of the children in Elmcrest’s care have never enjoyed holiday traditions many people take for granted, Janene said.
“Some of these children have never had the experience of decorating a tree,” Janene said. “They haven’t made Christmas cookies or sipped hot cocoa while listening to Christmas music. They deserve that.”
All of Elmcrest’s residential children are overcoming major life challenges. Fostering a sense of gratitude is one way Elmcrest helps them through that process. That’s why every child on campus will write notes and cards of thanks to each donor who provided contact information to Elmcrest, Janene said.
Dozens of people volunteered to become Elmcrest Elves this year. They bought more than 90 gifts from Elmcrest’s Amazon charity gift list. The gifts were delivered directly to Elmcrest. Elves also provided more than $3,000 in cash donations to buy additional gifts. The outpouring eclipsed the first Elmcrest Elves effort in 2020, Janene said.
Mike Dube, also known as “Motorcycle Santa,” has collected and delivered gifts to Elmcrest children for many years. This year, he arrived with about 300 gifts – more than ever before.
For many years, several companies and other organizations have been pooling their efforts to make significant deliveries of gifts and holiday treats to Elmcrest. Elmcrest is especially grateful this year to our friends at Pioneers Excelsior Chapter, AT&T, EJ, Fust Charles Chambers, Haylor Freyer & Coon, Nixon Gear, Brookside Consultants, St. Ann’s Church, and the Hart & Tay Train Foundation.
“People have really stepped up this year,” Janene said. “They love knowing that they’re providing the exact gifts our kids are really hoping to get for Christmas.”
Want to make a gift in support of Elmcrest’s work? Donate now.
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