Effective yesterday, at the direction of Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, all Onondaga County schools will be closed to students through April 13, in an effort to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 Virus.
“West Genesee fully supports this decision,” the school said in a press release. “We realize that this situation will have a dramatic impact on families throughout the region.”
The press release goes on to say the district, realizing many students depend on the meals they receive at school, will be working to fill that need during this period when schools are closed.
“As part of our commitment to our community, we have obtained authorization to provide meals to our in need student population while our building(s) are closed due to COVID-19,” the release said. “We have reached out to families to determine the need in our community. We have a significant number of responses at this early stage.”
So far West Genesee said more than 400 students and families have responded.
“At this time, we are reaching out to you to see if you would like to partner with us in helping those that need,” the press release said. “During this unprecedented event, we have witnessed shortages in our community of many staples needed for to maintain basic nutrition and sanitary standards.”
To assist in meeting the need of over an anticipated 1,500 students during this shutdown period, the district will be establishing a food pantry for donated goods to supplement what the district is able to provide.
“We will utilize every resource that we have, but additional donations from our community will help to bolster our ability to serve those in need,” the press release said. “We will be accepted non-perishable food items and basic household needs, such as hand soap, toilet paper, etc.”
Donations will be accepted at the following locations Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. starting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
West Genesee High School
Upper Gymnasium Entrance
5201 West Genesee Street
Camillus, New York 13031
“Time and time again, we have seen how supportive our community is in times of need,” the press release said. “If you have the means, and are able to help us support families in need, your contributions would be greatly appreciated.”
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or 315-487-4563 or Jen Woody at [email protected]
