Syracuse, N.Y. — The 27th annual Wladis hat and glove giveaway makes sure every pre-k through sixth grade student in the Syracuse City School District gets fresh winter gear.
The giveaway of hats and gloves started in 1996 when local businessman George Wladis read a newspaper article about children at a Syracuse school needing hats. He personally delivered 300 hats to the school.
Every year since 1996, he solicited local companies to donate to the program, and then he would buy the hats and mittens at a discount for the students.
Wladis died in 2016, but his sons Mark and Steven Wladis carry on the tradition. Now, the giveaway delivers more than 10,000 hats and gloves to students.
The need is great in the district where 40% of Syracuse students live in poverty, according to U.S. Census data.
Syracuse School Superintendent Anthony Davis praised the giveaway.
“Our kids go through trauma all the time,” he said. “Acts of kindness means a lot to people.”
This was clear as students giggled and smiled as they picked out and tried on donated gloves and hats.
First grader Messiah Linton, with a little bit of encouragement, jumped up high with a smile on his face to high five Steven Wladis after receiving his gloves and hat.
First grader Messiah Linton high fives Steven Wladis after receiving a hat and gloves during the 27th Annual Wladis Hat and Glove giveaway at McKinley Brighton Elementary School, Syracuse, N.Y., Wednesday December 6, 2023 Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
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For more information on how to donate and support the cause call the Wladis Law Firm at 315-445-1700
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