The Children’s Board of Oswego and the local Red Cross Chapter formed an alliance to provide Christmas gifts to local families in need. The Red Cross Club is a group of students who meet to raise money for the Red Cross, develop leadership skills, and to form friendships through caring and working with other Red Cross members. Group Leaders include Teresa Korbesmeyer, Mary Ann VanBrocklin, and Roberta Barbera. The club, now in its sixth year, was the first club to organize in an elementary school in New York State. This group is affiliated with Leighton Elementary School in Oswego.
Barbera also serves on the Children’s Board of Oswego. The Children’s Board enabled the shopping adventure through a monetary donation allocated to fund families in need in December 2009. Barbera and Korbesmeyer took the group out shopping filling a cart at a local retailer full of practical gift items. “This annual adventure is an opportunity for the kids to learn valuable skills while creating a sense of giving during the holiday seasonâ€Â, said Barbera, one of the founding members of the elementary school Red Cross Group. “We look forward to this activity each year,†stated Barbera.
One of the primary functions of the Children’s Board is to provide funding for clothing, school supplies and other needs of children in Oswego County. Barbera has been a longtime, active member of this group. For additional information about the Children’s Board, visit their website at www.oswegochildrensboard.com .
