Students attending Dr. Bernard C. Watson Academy for Boys will receive new winter coats. The donation is a result of a partnership between the Institute for Leadership and Performance Improvement, Ivy Tech Community College (Gary), the Gary Community School Corporation and SodexoMagic.
“The Gary Community School Corporation cannot express enough our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support we receive from our partnerships,” said Dr. Cheryl L. Pruitt, Superintendent of the Gary Community School Corporation.
“While many families are blessed to shop during this season, we must remember those who need basic necessities and the Institute for Leadership and Performance Improvement has done just that.”
Dr. Marlon Mitchell, President, Ivy Tech Community College (Gary), and Board Chair, Institute for Leadership and Performance Improvement, said coats would come from Burlington Coat Factory. “They (Burlington) have opened their warehouse for us to purchase brand new winter coats at a discounted rate.
Pruitt added that the Gary Community School Corporation embraced the idea of donations for our students. “Many of our children come from underserved communities and their parents appreciate the help. Spreading some Christmas cheer after the Thanksgiving holiday is a great way to kick off the season of giving.”
Nicole McLaurin, Community Outreach Coordinator, said when Dr. Mitchell contacted her she didn’t hesitate to volunteer. “I grew up in Gary and graduated from Wirt-Emerson in 1989 so to me it’s only natural to give back to my community through volunteerism.”
According to Burlington’s website, “We know we can make the greatest impact by supporting causes that affect the lives of our customers and their families.”
Mitchell said students would receive their new coats 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 16 at the Dr. Bernard C. Watson Academy for Boys, 2065 Mississippi St.