Utica, NY - Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) proudly delivered a collection of winter accessories to two impactful nonprofit organizations in the Mohawk Valley, Connected Community Schools and Thea Bowman House. The delivery marked the successful conclusion of Assemblywoman Buttenschon's 5th Annual Hat and Mitten Drive, a cherished community initiative that continues to bring warmth, comfort, and hope to children, families, and individuals during the harsh winter months.

The Hat and Mitten Drive supports the missions of Connected Community Schools and Thea Bowman House, two organizations that play a vital role in supporting vulnerable populations throughout the region. Connected Community Schools provides students and families with essential resources like food, clothing, and mental health support, ensuring that children can focus on learning without the burden of unmet basic needs. Their holistic approach addresses the root causes of hardship, creating lasting stability for families in crisis.

Thea Bowman House offers a safe, nurturing environment for low-income, at-risk children, providing early education, after-school care, and family support services. By fostering growth and development for children and empowering families toward economic stability, Thea Bowman House strengthens the community from within. Assemblywoman Buttenschon's drive helps these organizations provide local children with warm winter accessories, ensuring they are prepared for the cold weather as they walk to school or play outside.

This year's drive was made possible through partnerships with the Utica Comets, Save of the Day Foundation, and Utica City Football Club (UCFC). Hundreds of new hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves were collected from October 11 to December 6, 2024, at Assemblywoman Buttenschon's district office in the Utica State Office Building, as well as at Utica Comets and UCFC home games at the Adirondack Bank Center.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon shared her gratitude for the overwhelming support: "It fills my heart to see our community come together year after year to support our neighbors in need. These donations will help ensure that no child or adult has to face the cold winter months without the warmth they deserve. I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed and to our incredible partners, the Utica Comets, Save of the Day Foundation, and UCFC, for their unwavering dedication to making a difference. I'm especially glad that these donations are going to Connected Community Schools, an organization that does so much to support and uplift local students and families around the schools in our community."

The Utica Comets and Save of the Day Foundation also extended their thanks: "We want to thank our fans and community for their generosity during this year's Hat and Mitten Drive. The support provided by Cornets fans at every game will bring warmth and comfort to so many this winter. Together, we've made a real difference! Assemblywoman Buttenschon is always a great partner for this drive, and we are proud to support it each year."

Tommy Tanner, General Manager of Utica City Football Club (UCFC) echoed this sentiment: "We're so thankful to our supporters from both Utica City FC and the Utica Comets for contributing to the Hat and Mitten Drive. Our community's generosity ensures local families stay warm as the season gets colder, and we sincerely appreciate everyone who donated to make a difference."

Adam Pawlick, Vice President of Utica Comets, further expressed his gratitude: "We want to thank Assemblywomen Buttenschon for choosing Save of the Day and the Utica Cornets to help with this great initiative. We also want to thank our great fans that donated hats and mittens over the last several weeks. The generosity they showed in filling the bins with Hats and Mittens shows how great of a community we have here and how people are always willing to help."

Melissa Roys, Co-Leader of Connected Community Schools, highlighted the importance of the effort: "Winter is a difficult time for some of our families and students, it brings another layer of struggle to some. We have always believed that when there is a struggle that someone, someplace in our Community is there with a resource. Once again our Community and Assemblywoman Buttenschon has assisted with a hurdle. All of these mittens, hats, and accessories will go straight to our kids and just in time as the snow and cold seem to be here! We thank again for the continued support of our Community and special thanks to Assemblywoman Buttenschon for all she has done for us and so many."

Sandra Wright, Program Director at Thea Bowman House, underscored the critical impact of this drive: "We are grateful to Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenshon, her office and especially the Utica Comets for this donation of hats and mittens. It comes at the perfect time for our many Thea Bowman Families who need the extra help during winter."

Assemblywoman Buttenschon, alongside the Utica Comets, Save of the Day Foundation, Utica City Football Club, Connected Community Schools, and Thea Bowman House, extends a heartfelt thank you to the residents of the Mohawk Valley for their incredible support of this initiative. Your kindness and generosity are what make our community so special.