11 YEARS OF WARMTH
Many children wish for toys, a bike or electronics. Some just simply want warm, winter clothing. That’s the mission of Warm the Children, sponsored for the past 11 years by the Rotary Club of Hamburg. The Rotary Club of Hamburg has begun collecting donated funds to purchase new, warm winter clothing for youngsters whose families are in need of assistance this year.
Schools, churches and human service agencies identify families in need from the following areas: Hamburg, Angola, Blasdell, Brant, Derby, Eden, Lake View, Evans and North Collins. Parents will shop at Sears in the McKinley Mall, accompanied by volunteers, who pay for clothing selected with purchase orders from the Warm the Children Fund. Last fall, 450 children from more than 140 families were helped. “My family is so very appreciative of the new winter clothing for my children,” expressed a grateful mom, following a trip to Sears.
Warm the Children relies on the generosity of community members and local businesses for monetary donations. “100% of all tax-deductible contributions made to Warm the Children go toward the purchase of new clothing,” reports Elizabeth Angelbeck, who coordinates the program for the Rotary Club of Hamburg. Rotary is responsible for all administrative duties and assumes any costs associated with the program, with assistance from Evans Bank.
Warm the Children greatly appreciates the loyal support the Charles D. & Mary A. Bauer Foundation and the American Gift Fund Louise K. Mokadam Family Foundation for their generous donations to this year’s program. While contributions in any amount are gratefully accepted, Rotary is inviting individuals, businesses and organizations to sponsor a child by donating $75, $125 or $150, which buys clothing for children ages birth to four, five to 14 and 15-18, respectively.