Stewart’s Holiday Match Program Donates $5,000 to Franklin Community Center

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Though the holidays may be past us, the generosity of this magical season is still being felt thanks to Stewart’s Holiday Match Program. 

The program matched donations from customers and donated a total of  $1.8 million to 1,753 organizations throughout the area who serve children. Franklin Community Center is honored to be a recipient of their generosity again this year.

The $5,000 donation received by Franklin will be used to offset costs associated with Franklin’s after school prevention program, Project Lift. 

“This show of community support came at the perfect time” states executive director Kari Cushing. “With our current climate so much different than anything we have ever experienced, our community’s children’s programs are now more vital than ever. We are very fortunate that Stewart’s Shops puts such a strong emphasis on philanthropy throughout the areas they serve.”

Project Lift, which has been operated by Franklin Community Center for over 30 years, is a unique and comprehensive after-school program for youth in grades 1-6 that places emphasis on positive youth development, raising self-esteem, and the development of refusal, decision-making, problem solving and communication skills. The research- based program is designed to enhance resiliency and equip children with information to make healthy decisions on their own.  Project Lift is free to the enrolled students, who also have access to the Community Center’s ancillary services, as needed.