Helping Others During the Pandemic when many need food, financial support.

First, help a neighbor out if they need it– from shoveling snow, providing a meal, ordering a pizza for them, and just staying six feet outside their door and cheering them up. It is going to be a long winter and even if you are in dire need, helping others can provide some level of joy and peace.

Second, for all of us, continue to wear masks and social distance and avoid getting together in groups even if you have been vaccinated. There are two issues- the new strain that spreads 70% faster and the normal flu season from January- February.

Help Others

  1. United Way of Buffalo has received a $100,000 matching grant from National Fuel for Covid-19 Response. Join the Fight.
  2. Friends of the Night People– provides support services to the homeless
  3. Fish of East Aurora– 960 E. Main St. – 40% increase in number of families- they need non- perishable items- pasta, canned goods, peanut butter, juice, spaghetti sauce, cereal. People can bring drive in donations from 8:30am to Noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you need food, must live in East Aurora, Elma, Holland and Wales and must be low income- come Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm to 3pm. To donate money send a check to: Fish of East Aurora, PO Box 120, East Aurora, NY 14052.
  4. FeedMoreWNY.org–Feeds the Hungry and Meals on Wheels. They need food donations, especially protein based including canned tuna, peanut butter, canned chicken, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, diapers and baby care products.  You can drop these items off at 91 Holt Street in Buffalo or call 822-2002 for local drops and pick-ups (larger amts). Feedmore includes Erie, Niagara, Cattaragus and Chautauqua Counties.  They also have a critical need for volunteers for the Meals on Wheels Program – they have added 3200 clients since March – call 822-2002 for more info.
  5. Catholic Charities of Buffalo– services for those in need- food pantries, mental health, etc. Donate cash on-line.
  6. HarvestHouseBuffalo.org– they need children’s winter clothing- newborn to child size 14.

Other Organizations That Need Help

  1. Buffalo Zoo – They are down $4 million in operating funds due to covid restrictions. They are only open from Friday -Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Obviously, operating a zoo requires feeding and maintenance of the animals (unlike say an art museum). Donate now- emergency respond fund, membership, item wish list, etc. They needs lots of food- see the list and then call 995-6131 to donate.
  2. Hawk Creek Wildlife Center- you can adopt an animal (menu at top allows you specific what type) or donate via on-line.
  3. Ten Lives Club–Finds homes for homeless cats and kitchen. Donate.  They are also have a chili take-out event at 3741 Lake Shore Road in Blasdell on January 24, 2021 from Noon to 3pm. It is $10 and includes a Serving of chili, nachos with cheese, bread and a dessert.
  4. Heifer.org – Provides animals internationally to those in need. Great organization. We have given to this organization annually. A share of a Goat or Sheep is $10, Flock of  Ducks or Chicks- $20, Share of a Water Buffalo – $25. Countries around the world have been struggling not only during covid but for decades.
  5. Buffalo Botanical Gardens. If you donate, they have sponsors doubling your gift. Having been there recently, they need help. Again, plants are not something you can ignore. Donate  If you do not want to do that, then become a member.  The gardens are open from 10am to 4pm daily. Open from 10am to Noon on December 31. Get tickets