HIGH NOTES: Matching grant for charities, adopting a family, crews to Buffalo

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gazette Editorial Board

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In the Capital Region, Stewart’s Shops consumers donated more than $1 million to the company’s Holiday Match this year, allowing the company to donate more than $2 million to charities in the region. Each individual donation made by Stewart’s customers from Thanksgiving to Christmas is matched penny for penny by Stewart’s Shops. There are no administrative costs, and 100% of the funds benefit local, non-profit children’s organizations. Since 1986, customers have helped raise more than $36 million. To apply for money from the program, visit: https://www.stewartsshops.com/holiday-match/holiday-match-overview/.

In Albany, Consumer Directed Choices (CDChoices) adopted a family with a member who has developmental disabilities, with employees delivering gifts in person and listening to the family’s stories. the family received a trunk full of gifts for the parents, their son, who has developmental disabilities, and three grandchildren they are raising. The gifts were funded by generous donations from CDChoices employees collected throughout December. CDChoices is a nonprofit corporation providing payroll and administrative services to seniors and people with disabilities who manage their own home care. To learn more about Consumer Directed Choices and its services, visit cdchoices.org.

In the Capital Region, a number of local counties have sent crews and equipment to the Buffalo region to help clean up in the aftermath of last week’s blizzard. The New York Association of Counties coordinated the effort, which included Albany County sending 23 public works employees and 21 pieces of equipment to the area, largely dump trucks to help haul away snow. Rensselaer County sent two crews from the Health Department to help with search-and-rescue operations and to help identify and manage bodies found in vehicles. Dutchess County also sent crews. In addition, state police, forest rangers, state park police and other law enforcement personnel were sent to the region to help it dig out from the monstrous storm. In going to Buffalo, the local workers gave up time with their families over the holiday to help others in need.

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High Notes is a Monday feature of The Gazette Opinion section spotlighting the good being done in our communities by individuals, organizations, schools and colleges, and businesses. If you know of anyone who should be celebrated, send your suggestions for High Notes to Editorial Page Editor Mark Mahoney at [email protected]