The Rotary Club of Hamburg is pleased to announce that Warm the Children has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities, enabling the organization to purchase warm, winter clothing at Sears McKinley for 50 additional youngsters this fall. “The grant monies used to support this award were raised from efforts of local McDonald’s restaurants in the Western New York community, and in part by national McDonald’s promotional programs, “ explained R.M.H.C administrator, Maureen Wopperer.
Ronald McDonald House Charities provides lodging, comfort and emotional support to families of children receiving medical treatment at area hospitals and reaches out to families in the community by supporting programs that benefit children. “The mission of Warm the Children, which is to provide new, warm winter clothing to youngsters in need, aligns closely with that of Ronald McDonald House charities,” emphasized Elizabeth Angelbeck, who coordinates WTC for Rotary.
Schools, churches and human service agencies continue to identify families in need from Hamburg, Angola, Blasdell, Brant, Derby, Eden, Lake View, Evans and North Collins. Parents shop at Sears in the McKinley Mall, accompanied by volunteers, who are responsible for payment of the clothing selected. To date, over 100 families have been served.
“Thank you for once again allowing these families to purchase new clothing for their children. It’s so nice to be a part of something that puts dignity and happiness in their lives,” reports Donna Braunscheidel from Kathleen Mary House in Blasdell, one of several agencies working with Warm the Children.
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. Rotary is responsible for all administrative duties and assumes any costs associated with the program, with assistance from Lions Club and Evans Bank. This year, West Herr Automotive has teamed up with Warm the Children, by placing promotional materials in 10 of its Southtowns dealerships.
To help keep children warm this winter, tax-deductible donations may be made to Warm the Children Fund and mailed to Evans Bank, 5999 S. Park Ave., Hamburg, NY 14075 or donate online by going to www.hamburgrotaryclub.org/SitePage/warm-the-children.