Since 2007, the Rotary Club of Hamburg has sponsored Warm the Children, providing new, warm winter clothes for less fortunate families in the Southtowns.  To date, 300 children from 140 families are wearing new jackets, boots, sweaters, snow pants, mittens and hats, thanks to the generosity of community members, organizations and local businesses.  Rotary hopes to assist up to 400 children this year.
 
The Rotary Club of Hamburg is extremely grateful to the East Hill Foundation for granting Warm the Children an award of $10,000 to be used solely for new warm, winter clothing.  In addition, Rotary appreciates major donations from businesses and organizations such as the Zonta Club of Hamburg-Orchard Park, Ferrous Manufacturing, Hamburg Music Festival, Lutz Mobil, JP Fitzgerald’s and Walmart.  Elizabeth Angelbeck, who coordinates Warm the Children for Rotary, reports that most donations come from generous individuals, particularly those who support the program from year to year. “It’s important for donors to know that all funds collected go toward the purchase of new, winter clothing, as Rotary pays for any expenses associated with the program,” she adds.
 
Volunteer shoppers accompany families to Walmart, where they select warm clothing for their children.  “It was a wonderful shopping experience!” report Dan and Dee Meyer, longtime Warm the Children volunteer shoppers.  “The grandmother shopping for her four grandchildren was so very grateful and the Walmart employees we interacted with were very friendly and helpful,” Dan adds.
 
Individuals wishing to donate may do so by mailing a check to Evans Bank, 5999 S. Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075 or online: www.hamburgrotaryclub.org/SitePage/warm-the-children.
 
 A donation may also be made as a holiday gift in someone’s honor by enclosing a note with the person’s name and address.  Rotary will mail a personalized message to the gift receiver if the donation is made by Monday, Dec. 16.