Herkimer County Community College Holiday Giving Projects

Several offices, clubs, teams, and individuals across campus have adopted children and families through the Gram Lorraine program this holiday season. They are providing four items of clothing and a toy, book, or game to each child, along with winter coats. This project is an annual tradition started by a Herkimer County Community College student three decades ago, and continued by Professor Emeritus Ray Lenarcic. The program helps children from participating schools throughout Herkimer County.

Additionally, the Herkimer campus is conducting Operation Candy Cane, collecting small gifts, toys, snacks, toiletries, and other necessities to be donated to the Gregory J. Harris Military Courtesy Room at Syracuse Hancock International Airport for military members traveling during the holidays.

Community Health and Human Services students are conducting a drive to support displaced mothers and children of Evalyn’s House. Campus community members are donating items such as baby formula, diapers, baby food, hygiene products, blankets, laundry detergent, and more. Drop-off locations are throughout campus. The students will be delivering the items to Evalyn’s House on December 9th.

Honors Program student Riley Kohl is conducting a gently used clothing drive in December to support Mariah’s Closet, a thrift store dedicated to Mariah Lacey-Reid, who passed away in 2024 from suicide. Mariah’s dream was to open a thrift store to help others. Donation boxes are located throughout campus. The Honors Program requires participating students to independently develop and implement an experiential learning project that addresses a community-based issue.