College donates gift to devastated family

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — Sullivan County Community College, along with local agencies and businesses, has made a gift of technology to the Patten family, which lost its home in Woodridge to a fire in November.

Marlene Patten is a former student of SCCC, and sonJacob is currently attending the college. The college community, the United Way of Sullivan County, Best Buy of Middletown, and the Geek Squad pooled their resources to present the family with a new computer, printer, software, a digital camera and other peripherals that will allow the children to complete their academic assignments. The Geek Squad will also be traveling to the family’s new home to install the new equipment.

SCCC students raised over $1,400 after receiving a challenge from their professor, Rich McElrath. Student Christine Loucks raised $550 of the funds by soliciting her friends, family and local businesses over a three-day period.

The United Way of Sullivan County is still accepting donations for the Patten family. For more information, call 845/794-1771.