Syracuse, NY -- The children who attend the after-school program at The Determination Center, in Syracuse, want to send the community a big "Thank You" card. Thieves broke into the center and adjacent Catholic Charities over Memorial Day weekend. They trashed offices in both places on West Onondaga Street and stole electronics and petty cash. They took food, money...
Syracuse, NY -- The children who attend the after-school program at The Determination Center, in Syracuse, want to send the community a big "Thank You" card.
Thieves broke into the center and adjacent Catholic Charities over Memorial Day weekend. They trashed offices in both places on West Onondaga Street and stole electronics and petty cash.
They took food, money for the children’s fundraiser and craft supplies from the Determination Center. At the time center founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Bettie Graham said she wondered if she would be able to reopen.
Then the community stepped in. Strangers and friends dropped by the center with donations of food and cash. The Gifford Foundation also sent a donation, Graham said.
The donations and warm words of encouragement kept her going, she said.
About 78 children attend the after school program, which helps them with their school work, provides an evening meal, crafts and games, she said. More than 100 teens after stop in later in the evening for programs, Graham said.
This afternoon the children sent a video taped “Thank You” card to people in the community for their support.
The center will hold its first carnival from 4-7 p.m. June 25 at its facility at 1654 W. Onondaga St. The event will feature food, drinks, games fun and a raffle.