BOCES Collects Clothing for Those in Need

Emma Mansheffer, Schoharie, Bradshaw Koons of Schoharie, Theo Heitzman of Schalmont, and Bertram Heath of Schoharie collecting for charity.

ALBANY/SCHOHARIE -- A Capital Region BOCES-wide initiative is helping those in need of a warm jacket or clothing.

Students, faculty, staff and administrators are collecting winter clothing on all BOCES campuses – The Career & Technical Education Centers at Albany and Schoharie, as well as the Maywood Academy, Airline Drive Academy and the BOCES headquarters in Albany.

The donations will be picked up from the campuses in early January and adults in the Skills for Employability Life and Functional Independence work-based learning program will sort, organize and deliver the clothing to the Schenectady City Mission.

.“I like this because it shows people that they are not alone, that there is someone by their side when they need it,” said Emma Mansheffer, a Culinary Arts and Hospitality Tech senior from Schoharie High School.

“It’s good to help people in need and know you are making a difference,” added classmate Bradshaw Koons, also from Schoharie.

The duo, along with Theo Heitzman, from Schalmont, and Bertram Heath, from Schoharie, assembled collection bins and made signs on Monday for the Career & Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus.

Special Education Teacher Brent Pierce said the City Mission is in need of men’s, women's and children's coats, hats, and gloves. Gently used or new items are much appreciated.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so by sending clothing in with a Capital Region BOCES student.

“My work-based learning students have been organizing this drive for over 10 years for the City Mission. I feel that it is important for them to learn to give back to the community and help others. I want my students to learn that helping others is also an important part of being a responsible adult,” Pierce said.