MCS Fifth Grade Students pose with the collected items before the donations were sent off to their new home in Canastota.
By Ray Biggs, MCS Public Relations
MADISON, NY - One good deed often leads to another.
That statement rings true for the fifth grade classes at Madison Central School. Students in Mrs. Nolan and Miss Leone’s classes recently organized a pet supply drive, with donations to benefit Wanderer’s Rest in Canastota.
As expected, the Madison community turned out in force to contribute. Boxes upon boxes full of food, cleaning supplies, toys, blankets, cat litter, and other valuable commodities were collected.
However, this was far from an ordinary drive. It was an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the life of one of Madison’s most interesting and illustrious residents, and perpetuate the spirit of kindness that brought two students to that resident’s doorstep in November.
On Wednesday, November 10th, MCS hosted its donut drive-thru event in observance of Veterans Day. As numerous local veterans stopped by to receive free coffee and donuts as a token of gratitude for their service, it was learned that neighborhood veteran, Mr. James Gerow, could not physically attend.
Gerow was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who lived a vibrant life packed with adventure and fueled by curiosity. As a teenager, he hitchhiked across the country and was a jet engine mechanic at Griffiss Air Force Base at the end of World War II. He was working at the base when news broke that the war was finally over. James had lost his brother in the war effort, but the call to serve was strong and he went on to enlist in the Armed Forces.
Upon leaving the Marines in 1950, he returned home to Central New York and took on a multitude of roles. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and eventually, a great-great-grandfather of four. He pursued race car driving during the postwar boom, ran a trucking business and gas station in Madison, and owned the Bouckville Auction Gallery with his wife. He also enjoyed piloting airplanes and boats.
Along with Mrs. Nolan, students Liam Nolan and Nicholas Lollman took it upon themselves to ensure Mr. Gerow would be included in the Veterans Day events. They hand-delivered donuts and coffee to the Gerow house.
“We had such a nice visit with Jim and his wife Patricia,” Nolan said. “When we left, we told him we would see him next year to deliver another donut.”
Sadly, that promise would get cut short. Mr. Gerow passed away a month later at the age of 91. His obituary detailed a life well-spent, and also included a call to action that the students took note of. In lieu of flowers, the Gerow family requested donations to local animal shelters in Jim’s memory.
Within a week, the students set to work collecting donations from the entire school community. On January 25th, the items were delivered to their final destination, where they will be put to use in elevating and sustaining the quality of life for the animals residing at Wanderer’s Rest.
“All donations were successfully delivered despite slippery driving conditions,” Mrs. Nolan said. “The staff was very grateful and appreciative! Mr. Gerow would be so pleased, I have no doubt.”
Mrs. Gerow was thoroughly moved by the students’ efforts, and their willingness to carry out her husband’s legacy.
“My family & I are overwhelmed at the successful outcome of this recent collection of supplies for Wanderer's Rest,” Gerow said. “Jim would have been so honored that this was accomplished in his name. Thank you, MCS, once again!”
Just as he was remembered on Veterans Day 2021, students at Madison Central School made sure that the memory of Jim Gerow was not forgotten.
Students Liam Nolan and Nicholas Lollman are pictured
with Jim Gerow during their visit on November 10th.
Special delivery! Liam and Nicholas went out to Canastota
to help deliver the items!