| 100 Pairs of Boots Donated to Local Children in Need |
United Way and Herb Philipson’s Keeping Kids Warm this WinterUTICA, NY (December 22, 2011) - United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica partnered with Herb Philipson’s to donate 100 pairs of winter boots to local children in need. This donation is in addition to the distribution of 100 winter coats to local children in November. “We are always looking for new ways to reach out a helping hand in our community,” United Way Executive Director Brenda Episcopo said. “Expanding our relationship with Herb Philipson’s has allowed us to better outfit local children for the inevitably chilly Central New York winter to come.” Six area programs and schools received boot donations from United Way this week. Among the recipients is Principal Pearl Bowker at Columbus Elementary School in Utica. "The students and staff at our school are extremely grateful for the donation of boots and coats from United Way," Principal Bowker said. "Such a generous donation will be very helpful in keeping our students happy, healthy and warm this winter." Other donation recipients include the Town of Webb School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Thea Bowman House, Catholic Charities After-School Program at Kernan Elementary, and the Herkimer Area Resource Center. “Our first round of coat donations this fall was a huge success,” United Way Community Engagement Manager Adam Lawless said. “Roser Communications liked the idea so much they decided to donate and extra five new coats for us to distribute to local children in need. We were thrilled to be able to help fill the need at Columbus Elementary and all our other donation sites.” About United Way United Way of the Valley & the Greater Utica Area is a local, independent non-profit organization funding area programs and services that address crucial community issues in the impact areas of health, education, financial self-sufficiency, and basic needs. For more information about United Way, or to donate to the annual campaign, visit www.unitedwaygu.org or call (315) 733-4691. # # # |