NEW HARTFORD — A Facebook post urging donations of prom wear has prompted a large receipt of tuxedos for students who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

Connected Community Schools Executive Director Melissa Roys said New Hartford-based A. Vitullo Inc. responded to their social media post — quite generously — with a recent donation of tuxedos, along with shirts and shoes to go with them.

The donation truly exemplifies the all-inclusive, enabling mission of Connected Community Schools, Roys said.

“This is just an amazing donation,” Roys said. “I think it really speaks volumes for our initiative here. Thanks to this, kids won’t have to miss out on an opportunity that others have — they will be able to go to their proms.”

A. Vitullo is a fine men’s clothing store established in 1914 that has been in the New Hartford Shopping Center since 1980. Current owners Bob and Cindy Roth purchased the store in April 2015 and continue the long tradition of family ownership.

“We were more than happy to help out,” Bob Roth said. “It is great to be able to make sure kids who might be a little less fortunate will not miss out on the prom.”

Roth said they donated 75 tuxedos, along with 40 pairs of shoes and 40-50 dress shirts.

The tuxedos will be available for students of all the 14 Connected Community School districts around the area — serving some 20,000 children — to borrow. They will simply need to find their own school’s hub coordinator, get measured, and the tuxedo will be delivered right to the student’s home school, Roys said.

Districts participating in the Connected Community School program include: Adirondack, Camden, Canastota, Central Valley Academy, Dolgeville, Holland Patent, Little Falls, Madison, Mount Markham, New Hartford, Oppenheim-Ephratah St. Johnsville, Rome, Waterville and Whitesboro.

There are also many dresses available at the hub locations as well, she added.

Roth said as a family-owned local business, A. Vitullo truly cares about the people of the area and this donation was a way for them to reach out to area children and their families.

“We’ve always been very community conscious and are happy to help,” Roth added. “Small businesses are really the backbone of our community and our money stays right here. We believe this is a very worthwhile cause and now hopefully no students will miss out on their high school prom experience.”

For more information on Connected Community Schools, visit: www.connectedcommunityschools.org.