HERKIMER, NY, December 16, 2025 — Herkimer County Community College participated in the Herkimer County Hunger Coalition’s annual Gram Lorraine Children’s Christmas Program, helping bring holiday warmth and joy to children across the region. Faculty, staff, and students sponsored 18 children, marking the largest contribution the Collegehas made since joining the initiative. Volunteers also assisted with loading gifts and securing
transportation to help program founder, Professor Emeritus R.J. “Ray” Lenarcic, deliver items to the distribution site.
Since its founding in 1999, the Gram Lorraine program has supported approximately 15,000 children. This year, more than 500 children from Benton Hall Academy, Fort Plain, Central Valley Academy, Frankfort-Schuyler, Mount Markham, BOCES Migrant Education, and Owen D. Young schools received brand-new winter clothing and a toy, book, or game specially chosen from their holiday wish lists.
President Terri Grates Day expressed gratitude for the campus community’s generosity and care. “Thanks to everyone who participated in Gram Lorraine this year. One of the reasons I chose to return to the Mohawk Valley is to give back to a community that gave so much to me. I know firsthand how lasting this kind of kindness can be, and these children will feel the effects well beyond Christmas morning.” In addition to the Gram Lorraine program, during this holiday season, employees and students also supported Operation Candy Cane and donation drives for Mariah’s Closet and Evelyn’s House.
Photo: Herkimer County Community College employees and students pose with the gifts for
18 children in need this holiday season. From left: Michael Oriolo, Dan Elthorp, Michael Jory, Michael Harrington, Terri Grates Day, Mikayla Martineau, Shea Manley, Rebecca Ruffing, Stacey Hensley, Anthony DeLuca, William Hockler, and Olivia Stromecki.
