FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2026
Gary Community School Corporation Launches “Angel Room” to Support Staff, Scholars and Families in Times of Need
New resource center created through community generosity following August storms
(Gary, IND) – The Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) is proud to announce the opening of its new Angel Room, a dedicated resource space created to provide essential items and support to GCSC employees, scholars and their families who find themselves in need.
Initiated by GCSC Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes, the Angel Room was born out of the outpouring of generosity from agencies and individuals following the tormentous storm that impacted Gary and surrounding areas on August 11, 2026.
In the days following the storm, numerous community organizations and partners stepped forward to provide food, household necessities, hygiene products and other critical resources to residents. However, many GCSC teachers and staff members were unable to access some of the daytime distributions because they were working and continuing to serve students and families.
Recognizing the need to ensure that those caring for GCSC students also had access to support, Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes received a number of generous donations from community members and partners. Those contributions helped bring the Angel Room to life.
“This initiative represents what community truly looks like—recognizing a need, responding with compassion and ensuring that support remains available when people need it most,” said GCSC Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes. “Our staff showed tremendous dedication to our students and families during a very difficult time, and the Angel Room gives us another way to care for the people who care for our children every day.”
The Angel Room provides a centralized location where donated necessities and resources can be made available to members of the GCSC community who need additional assistance.
Resources for available for GCSC staff
GCSC employees, scholars and their families who may need additional necessities, supplies or other available resources are encouraged to submit a confidential request by emailing info@garycsc.k12.in.us.
Resources for GCSC Scholars and Families
The Angel Room is also available to support GCSC families experiencing a need. Families may contact the FACE (Family and Community Engagement) Liaison at their child’s school for assistance or submit a request by emailing info@garycsc.k12.in.us.
Requests will be addressed based on available resources and individual family or staff needs.
"The establishment of the Angel Room is another example of the strength of partnerships between GCSC, its families, employees and the greater Gary community," said Chelsea Whittington, GCSC Chief of Public and Community Relations. "What began as a response to an emergency has now become an opportunity to create a lasting resource designed to help members of our school community when unexpected needs arise."
GCSC extends its sincere appreciation to the community organizations, businesses, partners and individuals whose donations and generosity made the Angel Room possible.
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About Gary Community School Corporation
Gary Community School Corporation is committed to providing students and families with educational opportunities, resources and community connections that support academic success and overall well-being. Through collaboration with families, staff and community partners, GCSC continues to strengthen its schools and the community it serves.
Caption for pics: Over the past few weeks, the Gary Community School Corporation has received donations including school supplies, food items, uniforms, cleaning supplies, hygience products, shoes, water and even a washer and dryer. The contributions have come from the Indianapolis area and even as far as North Carolina. All the items will be housed in the newly created Angel Room at the Gary Area Career Center.
Donors in these photos are representing the following organizations Living Water Fellowship Church, Project Passion, Relief Gang, Indiana Council on Educating Students of Color (ICESC), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Mu Omega Chapter, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Indianapolis Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Indianapolis Alumni Chapter, The Indianapolis Chapter Drifters, LegoLove, LLC, Kingdom Apostolic Ministries, AKA Central Region Collective,
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,
Zeta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., The Indianapolis Uplift Foundation, Oxford Neighborhood Association, Impactful Influences, LLC,
Let Them Talk and The Bonds Family.