This fall, the Niskayuna Class of 2024 started a glove drive to help benefit the Schenectady City Mission. Over 342 pairs of gloves, as well as a check for $451, were donated. This is the third donation that the class has made to the City Mission, with coats in 2020 and shoes in 2021.  I talked to the Class of 2024 vice president, Gianna Deso, about the donation process. 

Aishani Misra: How did you feel after successfully donating 342+ pairs of gloves and raising money for the Schenectady City Mission?

Gianna Deso: After reaching our goal, I felt very proud of the ability of our class office and community to help out those in need. Many people were needed to make this happen.

AM: What is something you would like to see improved or changed?

GD: Receiving more donations is always more beneficial. For next year, we could create a higher goal and do even better than in the past.

AM: What was the hardest part of the donation process?

GD: We had issues figuring out the gloves we were going to donate. Finding the perfect gloves is really difficult for us. We needed to find winter gloves only as they are the most beneficial and long-term for people over the cold season.

AM: How did you feel meeting people from the co-op, library, etc., and receiving the check?

GD: It was inspiring meeting so many people from around the community. All of these people really wanted to help us reach our goal. This was a really incredible experience.

The process of collecting gloves was longer than you might think. The class advisors Mr. Eichfeld and Mrs. DeRocco first contacted the Schenectady City Mission to ask what the community was in need of this winter season. Then the class office coordinated together to create a plan to hit a goal of 345 pairs of gloves, one for each student in the class of 2024. Students from the class ran a bake sale to raise money and the class matched $500 of the amount collected from the bake sale. On top of that, the Niskayuna Co-op rounded their money during Thanksgiving week to donate to the cause! 

On December 20th, the Niskayuna Co-op came to the high school to present a check for $451. The Schenectady City Mission truck also came and the class loaded up boxes of gloves that will head off to the center. 

Thanks to this donation made by the community, 345 pairs of hands will be warm this winter.

The class of 2024 is very involved in the community. On top of the City Mission, the class also donated to the American Cancer Society earlier this year with money raised from the Powderpuff game, as well as handed out candy canes to every student in the school as a gift for the holidays.