SUNY Adirondack receives gift of school supplies

QUEENSBURY, New York (Aug. 25, 2021) — Vera Bradley joined forces with Zonta Club of Glens Falls and Soroptomist International of the Adirondacks to deliver school supplies to SUNY Adirondack.

The college’s Hub, a center dedicated to meeting students’ non-academic needs, received 70 backpacks, seven messenger bags, five laptop covers and five iPad covers from the Vera Bradley location in The Outlets at Lake George on Route 9. The retailer accepts customer donations during checkout, then provides the supplies to regional entities to fulfill its mission of empowering girls and women.

Zonta and Soroptimist International also raised money to provide The Hub with 125 notebooks, 12 pocket folders, 15 packs of sheet protectors, 38 packages of highlighters, 150 pens and pencils, 30 water bottles and 62 packs of Post-It Notes.

“To see how many students struggle to secure the necessities and still manage to succeed at college is inspiring,” said Tara Booth, assistant professor of Counseling and coordinator of Community Connections at SUNY Adirondack, where she oversees The Hub. “This gift will help ease a lot of burdens and make the upcoming school year easier for many students.”

Zonta Club is the local branch of a global organization dedicated to empowering women through service and advocacy. Locally, the group offers scholarships, awards and grants, organizes community events in line with its mission and helps women secure resources to leave dangerous domestic situations.

Soroptimist International of the Adirondacks is part of an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls.

“It always amazes me what a small group of dedicated women can accomplish, especially with the support of like-minded members of our business community,” said Lorraine Abess, president of Zonta Club of Glens Falls. “I would like to thank the Vera Bradley Outlet of Lake George and Soroptimists for helping with this tremendous donation effort.”

Vera Bradley staff and members of Zonta and Soroptimist International presented the donation to SUNY Adirondack President Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., and Skylar Dorrer, SUNY Adirondack alumna and student ambassador on campus.

“We are honored that Vera Bradley chose SUNY Adirondack as the recipient of this generous gift,” Duffy said. “We greatly appreciate the continued support of Zonta and Soroptimist International, both of which already work closely with the college in promoting the interests and well-being of all our students, particularly women.”