Ichabod Cares: Our Internal Safety Net Programs

The district operates Ichabod Cares, our network of safety net programs to assist our students and families in various ways. These programs help provide essentials such as food, clothing, shoes, toiletries and more.

NEW: We are excited to share that Ichabod Crane is now using CarePortal, an online platform that helps students and families with support when needs arise. CarePortal in our region is managed by the Capital Region & Hudson Valley by Justice For Orphans.

The network already includes a strong group of “Community Responders” who step in to help fulfill requests — and as a member of the Ichabod Crane community, you’re invited to be part of this effort, which is now a program of Ichabod Cares, the district’s safety net program.

CarePortal is used by child-serving professionals across the country and has supported children and families in the Capital Region since 2018. At Ichabod Crane, CarePortal was made possible through a collaboration with the Kinderhook Reformed Church — and we are so grateful for their support!

Requests for Support:
If you are an Ichabod Crane student or family member and need support, please contact your child’s main office or school counselor.

How it Works:

  • Designated Ichabod Crane staff members enter anonymous, vetted requests into the CarePortal.
  • Requests are emailed to CarePortal responders, shared on the CarePortal app and published on the CarePortal website.
  • CarePortal responders come together to provide needed resources.
  • Resources are delivered to families by trained confidential individuals.

How to Help:

  • Become a CarePortal Community Responder: Enroll online at www.careportal.org/meet-needs/individual/. You will receive email and/or text messages when requests are entered and can view needs on the CarePortal app or website dashboard.
  • Make tax-deductible donations to help purchase items or offer to supply physical items.

Other Resources

If you have questions about how to become a community supporter or donate to CarePortal, please contact: info@justicefororphansny.org

Food and Clothing Distribution Programs

Across all three school buildings, staff organize food distribution programs that provide weekly support to dozens of students and families. These efforts help ensure that students have access to nutritious food over the weekends, when other food resources, including school breakfasts and lunches, aren’t available.

At the Primary and Middle Schools, staff coordinate the BackPack programs, created in partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. The program offers child-friendly, shelf-stable and easily consumed food on a weekly basis. Staff discreetly pack and distribute bags to students on Fridays and coordinate efforts to financially support the programs.

Ichabod’s Table is the High School’s food distribution program. The program is sustained by donations and its partnership with the Regional Food Bank’s School Pantry Program. Participating students receive an array of items, which can include non-perishable, fresh, frozen and refrigerated options. This program is run by Ichabod’s National Honor Society. High School Librarian Jennifer Two-Axe runs Ichabod’s Closet, which accepts donations of clothing, shoes, coats and toiletries. Students can access The Closet throughout the day and after school by contacting Jennifer Two-Axe.

Additionally, Ichabod Crane CSD participates in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program, a federally-assisted meal program that provides two (2) meals a day to all students at no cost to families, regardless of economic status. 

Every day, our students have access to healthy and nutritious meals that follow strict and essential federal guidelines. Click here to learn more about our Meals Program and see daily menu options.  

The Middle School also operates Take What You Need Bins and the Middle School Closet, where students have access to an assortment of items, such as a range of toiletries and clothing. 

The Music Department also accepts donations of instruments and black clothing for student concerts.

For more information about any of our safety net programs or if you need assistance accessing food, housing and other resources, please contact your school’s main office:

  • Primary School: 518-758-7575 ext. 6002
  • Middle School: 518-758-7575 ext. 5002
  • High School: 518-758-7575 ext. 4002

—

External Resources:

We care, and we know that the public does too. We are often asked this question by district residents: 

How can we help Rider students and families in need?

—

HOW TO DONATE

Both BackPack programs:

  • To donate online, visit www.regional foodbank.net. Click on the “Donate Now” link. Select “Children’s Programs” and put BP Ichabod Crane (Primary or Middle School) in the “Partner Agency Name” section.
  • The Middle School now has a dedicated donation page on the Regional Food Bank’s website. You can donate here.
  • To send a check, mail it to Regional Food Bank, 965 Albany-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. The check should be made out to Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, with BP Ichabod Crane (Primary or Middle) on the memo line.

Ichabod’s Table:

  • Checks can be mailed to Ichabod Crane High School, Ichabod’s Table, 2910 Route 9, Valatie, NY 12184, and made out to Ichabod Crane. In the memo, specify Ichabod’s Table.
  • Monetary donations can also be sent to the Regional Food Bank of NENY 965, Albany-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. Please include in the memo section ICCHS 1895T.

Ichabod’s Closet:

  • For donations, they are accepting gently used or new clothing, coats, shoes and sneakers. They also accept toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.
  • All donations can be dropped off at the HS greeter station or arrangements for pick-up can be made with Jennifer Two-Axe via email. (jtwo-axe@ichabodcrane.org).

Middle School Bins and Closet:

  • For the Take What You Need Bins, they are accepting deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brushes, feminine products and hair ties.
  • The Middle School Closet is in need of socks, sweatpants and sweatshirts in all sizes, as well as girls/womens leggings.
  • All donations can be dropped off at the MS greeter station. 

Music Department:

Blue and White Clothing: 

  • We collect gently used ICC clothing to share with our students who don’t have or can’t purchase their own blue and white Rider gear.
  • Students in all three buildings can drop off their items in the main offices. If you are interested in receiving a donation, please contact your building’s counselor or administrator.

We all appreciate the ongoing and generous support that our community consistently provides to our Rider family!