Student-Led Effort Helps Keep Kids Warm

Patty Sawmiller knows how in-demand cold-weather clothing is among students at Syracuse's Dr. Weeks Elementary School. "We have almost 800 kids in our school. We constantly hear about the need for hats, gloves, and coats. Every single set of hats and gloves I am receiving today means one more kid can make it to school without frostbite, or just play in the snow and be kids," said Sawmiller who is the Community School Supervisor at Dr. Weeks.

The hats and gloves were presented to Sawmiller December 6 during an end of semester celebration at the Meg O'Connell Center for Social Justice and Community Impact in Coulter Hall. The donation effort was organized by Onondaga Community College student Taija Hanna. She is Co-Chair of the college's  Extraordinary Women of Distinction chapter. "I really wanted our sisterhood to be part of philanthropy that helps kids, and today we were."

Hanna is a 37-year-old Engineering Science major who is completing her second semester at OCC. A little over a year ago, she was working in retail when a significant local news story inspired her to come to OCC. "When Micron shook hands with (President) Joe Biden in Syracuse I quit my job within a day. I'm a single mom and I wanted to give my daughter a better life."

Two months later she stepped on campus and began her journey. "I said to myself 'I'm going to really give it everything I have.' I really wanted to try to dig in. I joined a bunch of clubs. Everyone was really friendly and nice. They were all very welcoming."

She developed a support network in the Meg O'Connell Center where she was a Work/Study student with Dr. Eunice Williams, and also took advantage of services offered at the Community Care Hub in the Gordon Student Center. "Everywhere I've looked, there has been help. I have been very fortunate. Dr. Williams has opened so many doors for me. And the Community Care Hub has helped me tremendously."

The hat and glove drive has grown to include two more schools; Dr. King Elementary and the Onondaga Nation School. Generating more donations will be a big challenge, but the feeling of satisfaction from the first effort will help motivate her. "When (Patty) turned to say goodbye she said to me 'it doesn't look like a lot but it is. This is more than you think. Thank you.' That moment really gave me a spark. Community involvement is so rewarding."