‘Angels’ Assist CCS Students, Families

By ARYA PATEL
COOPERSTOWN

One of the most profound and important organizations in our area is the Angel Network of Cooperstown. The Angel Network is a community-run organization dedicated to helping families in the Cooperstown Central School District who face financial hardships.

Throughout the year, the Angel Network helps families in a multitude of ways, such as offering gas and grocery support. This is especially true during the stressful holiday season, when the organization also holds one of its most popular and largest fund-raisers: the holiday giving program.

Through this program, families, groups or individuals can “adopt” a child. As part of this process, the child shares a wish list of what they would like for Christmas—anything from LEGOs to basic necessities. Last year, thanks to generous donors in our community, more than 120 CCS students were able to enjoy their holiday season with well wishes, gifts and essential items from the Angel Network.

The efforts of this organization would not be possible without its Executive Board: President Laurie Williams, Vice President Alicia Chase, Secretary Shelby MacLeish, Treasurer Matthew Monahan, Directors at Large Martha Clarvoe, Miriam Murray, Stephanie Oceguera, Tabetha Rathbone, and Erin Rawitch, and member Ryan Miosek. Additionally, the school support system consists of Stephanie Nelen and Sara Mileski.

President Williams said, “The Angel Network is built on the belief that when a child’s basic needs are met, they can focus on being exactly what they are meant to be—kids. Our goal is to ensure that no Cooperstown School student feels burdened by financial hardship. We work to level the playing field in any way we can, so every child has an equal opportunity to thrive.”

Currently, the Angel Network is preparing for its back-to-school initiative, with hopes that all qualified Angel Network families in need of school supplies can obtain these items for their children. Through this project, the Angel Network will provide items directly from the school supply lists given by the grades and deliver items to the classrooms to ensure they are there on the first day of school. Not only is this available to Angel Network families, but the organization offers this service to every student—at cost—to help ease families back into school.

Angel Network helps families with their needs, both academically and otherwise. The Angel Network offers gas cards, clothing, SAT fees, driver’s license fees, driver’s education, school supplies, tutoring and more. During senior year of high school, students are able to experience many important life events—such as prom and senior trip—thanks to funding assistance from this organization. Outside of school, the Angel Network supplies furniture, sports equipment, support toward Outward Bound expenses and more.

To get involved with the Angel Network, visit https://angelnetworkofcooperstown.org/, e-mail cooperstownangel@gmail.com or attend the monthly meetings, held on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center. New members are always welcome!