News Release
(Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020) — Responding to a call from Mayor Lovely A. Warren and Rochester City School District Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small, nearly 100 houses of worship and other community organizations are donating food packages to the families of City School students experiencing food disparities during the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative is a result of the Faith in Action: Adopt a School program launched by Mayor Warren and Dr. Myers-Small earlier this fall.
“Once again, my heart is filled with gratitude by the generosity of our faith and community organizations who are stepping up to help fulfill the needs of our city’s most vulnerable citizens – our children,” said Mayor Warren. “I am honored to partner with Dr. Myers-Small and thankful that both of our teams responded so quickly to support these families during these challenging times. This level of cooperation combined with the compassion of our citizens is an important element of our efforts to create more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities.”
“I am immensely grateful to live in a community that answers the call when their members are in need,” said Dr. Myers-Small. “I value the partnership with the City of Rochester and our local faith-based institutions who are stepping forward to support our children. The big heart and generosity of these individuals coming together to help families is a true symbol of the spirit of the holiday season.”
The disruption to learning caused by this pandemic has been especially difficult for Rochester’s most vulnerable children and their families, many of whom are already dealing with a wide range of issues, including inadequate access to food.
Recognizing this disparity, Mayor Lovely Warren and Dr. Lesli Myers-Small issued a request for the community to “adopt a school” to support the students. The response was overwhelming, with almost 100 organizations – including churches, a fraternity, and businesses – making donations toward food packages.
The call for help was organized as a component of the City’s existing Faith in Action initiative as Faith in Action: Adopt a School. The program gives the faith community and communities of conscience an opportunity to directly support RCSD children experiencing a disproportionate impact of the COVID - 19 pandemic in a manner that educators have identified as the best way to keep them healthy and safe and prevent a loss of learning.
To learn more about Faith in Action and the Adopt a School component, visit cityofrochester.gov/FaithinAction/.
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News Media: For more information, contact, Bridgette Burch White, (585) 428-6064 or Bridgette.Burchwhite@cityofrochester.gov ; RCSD contact: Brendan O’Riordan, (585) 353-6390 or Brendan.O'Riordan@RCSDK12.ORG