The Ballston Area Community Center (BACC) has received a $2000 grant from the Adirondack Trust Co. Community Fund for its 2023 Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program. The grant monies will be used to fund the use of Chromebook and/or iPad technology in the UPK classroom.
BACC board member Molly Pezzulo attended a reception at Longfellow’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs on Dec. 1 and was honored to accept a check on behalf of the BACC.
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The 36th annual Stewart’s Holiday Match Campaign kicked off on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas day at all shop locations.
The program supports nonprofit organizations impacting children. To date, it has raised nearly $34 million for children’s charities.
Last year, customers donated over $1 million to the program, doubling to more than $2 million with the Stewart’s match. The funds were able to support 1,716 local children’s organizations across the 32 counties where Stewart’s Shops are located.
Local organizations impacting children are encouraged to apply for funding online. The deadline for submission is Jan. 31. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization.
All donations are tax-deductible. Stewart’s accepts funds from groups or businesses, but only matches individual donations.
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Barnes & Noble is hosting a book fair to benefit the Academy for Lifelong Learning at its at 3039 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A portion of the proceeds from purchases on that day will benefit the academy. People can stop by the academy’s table during the event for a voucher.
Founded in 1992, the Academy is a nonprofit, membership organization of nearly 400 members who share a love of learning. An independent entity, A.L.L. offers non-credit courses and social activities for mature learners. A.L.L. also offers special interest groups and special trips and events that are held throughout the year. For more information, contact the Academy office at (518) 587-2100 ext. 2390 or go towww.esc.edu/all.
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The Ballston Area Community Center (BACC) has received certification from the American Red Cross as a managed disaster shelter that can accommodate as many as 200 individuals.
This process includes the installation of a whole building backup power generator that was partially funded by a Saratoga County Non-Profit COVID Relief Grant Fund.
Ensuring that people have a safe place to stay during a disaster is now a critical part of the BACC’s mission. The emergency shelter offers a safe place to sleep, food, health care and support to victims of disasters.
The BACC, located at 20 Malta Ave. in Ballston Spa, is a nonprofit corporation, licensed by the state Office of Children and Family Services, that provides essential community services to more than 400 children in Saratoga County. It offers child care, universal pre-kindergarten and teen programs to enhance the social, emotional, economic and educational development of area youth and families without regard to their social or economic background.
More information about the BACC and its services is available online at ballstonareacc.org or by calling (518) 885-3261.
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The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center launched its annual Mitten Tree Program which runs through Saturday, Dec. 31.
Members of the local community are invited to contribute warm winter wear to the Visitor Center Mitten Tree located at 297 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. All donations will benefit CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Franklin Community Center and Shelters of Saratoga.
Instead of ornaments or lights, the tree is decorated with warm winter items such as hats, scarves, gloves, and of course, mittens. People wanting to donate can hang new or handmade items upon the tree.
Visitor Center hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor Center will be closed for the Christmas holiday, Saturday, December 24 through Tuesday, Dec. 27. It will also be closed Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31 for the New Year holiday.
For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center.