Delivering toys, crafts, books – and hope – to sick children with the help of this amazing community!!!

It was a total community effort – but we did it!!

We brought toys, crafts, books and more to children hospitalized at Oishei Children’s Hospital. The gifts were stuffed into pillowcases and handed out Monday afternoon.

                               

The children were incredibly sweet and very happy with their Christmas surprises. Their parents seemed very grateful and touched by the gesture.

 

Some of the children are in isolation and a staff member was kind enough to bring their pillowcase in to them!

 

The idea behind Make a Case for Kids wasn’t so much about the gifts – although they are wonderful – it was about letting these children and families know that they are not alone; they have an entire community who cares, standing right with them.

To say we surpassed our goals with this drive is an understatement. We have many toys left and will continue giving. We are helping several families through Gerard Place in Buffalo and Hospice Essential Care and nearly two dozen children with Child & Family Services.

We are beyond grateful for the support of this community – lets face it, Western New Yorkers have THE BIGGEST HEARTS!!!!  Each individual who donated a toy, made a monetary donation or volunteered to help stuff the pillow cases or work the basket auction – you are appreciated!!!!  Each business who made a donation or sponsored a case or cases – thank you!  We also could not have done it without the incredible Board of Directors for Totally Buffalo’s Hope for the Holidays! We will continue our work to make each holiday a little more special for those in need. Visit us at totallybuffalohopefortheholidays.org.

     

We couldn’t have done this alone – we had help from Spot Coffee and WIVB – Channel 4. We would also like to thank K-9 Funhouse Doggy Day Care in Lockport and Raff & Friends Toy Store in the Eastern Hills Mall for being incredible partners and collection sites.

 

 

One more thing – We didn’t forget about the hardworking nurses and doctors at the hospital! We brought them delicious (and beautiful) cookies donated by Tater Cakes Bakeshop in Lockport and Kettlecorn donated by Ko’s Kettlecorn!!!  Thank you to both business for your kindness – your sweets were a HUGE hit!!!