Giving back is something Macy’s is passionate about.

Every March, the department store focuses on food insecurities in its communities. Locally, Macy’s in Monroeville Mall works with Best of the Batch Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“It’s something we’re passionate about. It’s in our DNA,” store manager Danielle Meehan said.

This year, Macy’s wanted to take its efforts a step further.

Tricia Beck, manager of business administration, reached out to the Gateway School District and began a partnership with Jennifer Hoffner, principal of University Park Elementary School, and board Vice President Valerie Warning.

“We started with the backpack program this spring,” Meehan said. But they wanted to forge ahead.

Meehan, who also is Macy’s grant division champion, secured funding so 20 elementary students — five from each of Gateway’s four elementary schools — could purchase warm winter outerwear.

On Nov. 7, high schoolers with the National Honor Society accompanied the younger students to shop for winter coats, boots, hats, gloves and scarves.

“It’s for the kids,” Warning said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Before shopping, the students enjoyed muffins, fruit and juice while Macy’s customer experience captain, Tetyana Rastoder, showed some of the coats and boots available for purchase.

Accompanying the students were Taylor Fazio, a service coordinator from the Human Services Administration Organization (HSAO), and two of Gateway’s social workers, Aaron Smith and Gina Trunzo.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids to feel special and get what they need for the winter,” Trunzo said. “It also takes some pressure off of the families, especially around the holidays.”

Gateway, Trunzo said, does a great job of giving back to its students and their families.

“Anything we can do for the district, we try to do,” she said.

Some parents accompanied the students, including Jessica Joyner, who is the mother of third grader JoRay and kindergartner Jonavin.

Sophomore Hailey Laughery and senior Rocco Donnelly helped JoRay and Jonavin shop, respectively, for their new items. Shopping within a certain price range helps the teens and younger students learn how to stay within a budget.

“I think it’s great that they have the teenagers involved,” Joyner said. “This is a learning experience for both of them.”

Meehan and the rest of Macy’s staff hope to continue a relationship with the district moving forward.

“These are the best days at work,” Meehan said. “It’s all about giving back to our community, especially our youth.”

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