Niskayuna High School Class of 2024 is leaving a lasting impression and legacy behind at Schenectady City Mission.
Over their four years of high school, the class donated shoes, gloves, mittens and now more than 1,300 socks to the shelter.
Mission CEO Mike Saccocio told the seniors that their donations make both an impact today but also in the future.
“When someone is cold and their socks are wet or they have no socks and we hand them a brand new pair, you’ve made a difference in that moment,” Saccocio said in a release. “That difference goes on because people never forget that somebody cared. The folks who come to us sometimes, the biggest burden they carry is not homelessness or hunger, it’s nobody sees me, nobody cares. People can’t say that because of you.”
In all, they gathered a total of $566 in cash donations, which the class then matched. Niskayuna Inter-Community Service (NICS), Pep Club and Key Club donated a collective $400 toward the cause and an additional $400 came from the Niskayuna Co-op round up program.
Niskayuna Class of 2024 raised funds and donated socks to City Mission.
Senior class president Arya Dixit thanked school and community partners for collaborating with them on their efforts, the current of which they dubbed “Socktober.”
With money raised, the seniors purchased 744 pairs of high quality wool socks. They also had 616 pairs donated directly, bringing the total number up to 1,360.
“The impact of the Niskayuna Class of 2024 at City Mission will go on and on and on,” Saccocio said. “The people you’ve helped, the partnership you’ve given us has given you a legacy at City Mission.”
City Mission officials presented the class officers with the 2023 Changemaker Award in recognition of their continued stewardship.
