LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim February 6, 2009, as a New York State Community School Day of
Caring and Sharing to Help People in Need

WHEREAS, Located in every neighborhood of the State of New York, people
in need of basic necessities are dependent upon the compassionate
concern of those who are able to help; and
WHEREAS, For the past 21 years, a group of teachers from the Kenmore
and Clarence School Systems in Western New York have sponsored an annual
sleepout on the first Friday in February to call attention to the less
fortunate in the Buffalo region; and
WHEREAS, This group of teachers, known as Educators Totally Committed,
involves students in a socially relevant project which emphasizes a
three-point program of awareness, commitment and action to raise funds
to help organizations which care for the poor in the region; and
WHEREAS, Sleeping out means staying outdoors in cardboard refrigerator
boxes and obtaining as many sponsors as possible for the 10-hour event;
students from grades K-12 participate in a manner appropriate to their
grade level from making contributions to actually sleeping out; and
WHEREAS, Volunteering promotes community solidarity; most importantly,
people who contribute their time and talent to civic and charitable
endeavors inspire others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, In addition, children who learn these responsible social
behaviors at an early age are likely to continue them into adulthood and
will pass these values on to their own children and family, helping to
create a better world for all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim February 6, 2009, as
a New York State Community School Day of Caring and Sharing to Help
People in Need; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of New York State,
and Educators Totally Committed.