This year, the local convenience store and gas station contributed a gift of $750, matching the amount their customers contributed toward the project during Stewart’s Holiday Match that collects gifts every year from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day.

Over the past three years, Stewart’s and their customers have contributed a total of $2,250 to the Oswego Public Library campaign.

“We take our role in the community very seriously,” said Oswego Stewart’s Store Manager David Smith. “We are proud to match the gifts our customers make to their favorite local causes each year. The Oswego Public Library renovation project is something that will improve the community and be enjoyed and utilized for years to come.”

This year’s donation will be used for furniture in the renovated and expanded library.

“The support of local businesses like Stewart’s is very important to our project,” said Library Director Carol Ferlito. “Not only does it help us achieve our goals, it also speaks to the local commitment of the businesses here in our community. Stewart’s and their customers have been strong and important supporters of this project.”

This year, Stewart’s Holiday Match program raised a record $1.2 million across 30 counties in New York and New England. For decades the store has been collecting customer donations and matching those contributions to benefit local charities that directly affect children.

Although Stewart’s operated stores in many different locations, their commitment to each of those local communities is part of their company culture.

Stewart’s Foundation President Susan Dake said, “We are dedicated to our ‘We are Closer to You’ theme. We want to be more than just another business in town. Our goal is to be a valued member of the community.”

Individual contributions can be made to the Oswego Public Library’s campaign by calling the campaign office at (315) 216-6176. For more information about the Oswego Public Library please visit www.oswegopubliclibrary.org.

About The Photo: David Smith, Manager of the Oswego Stewart’s Shop presents Carol Ferlito, Director of the Oswego Public Library with a gift of $750 to be used towards furniture in the renovated and expanded library. This is the third year that Stewart’s Shops has donated to the library for a total of $2,250 as part of their Stewart’s Holiday Match Program. Funds in the past have been used for children’s audiovisual materials, expansion of the teen book collection, and board books for young children.