SCCC: 75 Years of Helping Hands

Join the Saratoga County Children’s Committee in Celebrating Their 75th Year – Thursday, September 21 at The Saratoga Winery

SARATOGA SPRINGS – {{Editor’s Note: The more I learn about this organization, the more impressed I am.

For one thing, they are all volunteers. Every one. For another, the list of other Social service and action organizations that rely upon them for emergency help (see below) is quite impressive.

All told, they are worthy of your support, and a perfect time to do so is at their Diamond Anniversary Celebration. Purchase your tickets HERE. AG}}

Here are some facts about The Saratoga County Children’s Committee (SCCC) – their history, and their current programs, that were provided by Lindsay and Olivia from SCCC:

• The Saratoga County Children’s Committee is celebrating 75 years of servicing the children of Saratoga County.
  • SCCC was founded in 1947 shortly after World War II. Miss Jean Barr began her career as a social worker for the Saratoga County Social Services Department. 
  • SCCC is a 501c3 non-profit organization that services over 1,000 children yearly through community programs, and special and emergency needs with Saratoga County schools, social workers, and agency partnerships. 
  • As the needs of children vary due to their unique and specific circumstances, so do our programs, which span across every season and focus on where assistance is most needed. SCC provides necessary relief in emergency situations, in addition to our set programs. Filling these requests, each distinct in their own way, swiftly and efficiently is what makes SCCC unique.  
• Partnerships 
  • SCCC partners with Wellspring, LifeWorks, Family Matters, ICM, Franklin Community Center/Project Lift, Saratoga Early Intervention, Saratoga Mental Health, Social Services, Mechanicville Community Center, Mechanicville Domestic Violence, New Meadow, and Saratoga County schools, in addition to working with case managers and social workers. 
• The Empty Stocking Project  
  • SCCC is most widely known for its Empty Stocking Project, which provides over 900+ children in Saratoga County with holiday assistance each year.  
  • The program first began in 1962 and served over 300 children – each year the program has continued to grow, and in the last 20 years, the program has provided a holiday to over 900+ children each season.
  • The project begins early in September, when agencies and schools connect with the parents and caregivers of those looking for assistance.
  • The Saratoga County Children’s Committee then matches “Friends” – community sponsors – with individual children and families. The “Friend” – generous and loyal individuals, corporate and community sponsors are provided with a wish-list and basic necessities of their child or family.
• Additional Programs 
  • Camperships: sending 25+ children to summer camp every year 
  • Back to School: providing backpacks, clothing, and school supplies to ~50+ children every school year 
  • Special requests: funding special and emergency needs for children working with social workers and local agencies 
  • School scholarships: over the last 8 years, SCCC has awarded $10,500 in scholarships from its yearly fundraiser – The Saratoga Mom Prom. 
• 75th Anniversary Celebration at The Saratoga Winery on Wednesday, September 21 from 6-9 pm
  • All funds from the event will go back into the community and funding the community programs listed above
  • Tickets can be found on their website: https://www.saratogachildrenscommittee.org/event-details/75th-anniversary-celebration
  • Ticket includes a glass of wine, food, live music, raffles, and more! 

Phoro by Liv Bruce – Unsplash