By Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera
I would like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful start to the holiday season. As we turn the corner from fall to winter, this is a great time of year for celebrations and being together. I also remind everyone that this is the season of giving. There are many opportunities to make a positive contribution to our community.
Earlier this month, families across the country who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) experienced a delay in benefit disbursement due to the federal government shutdown. In Erie County, one out of every seven households rely on SNAP benefits. Recipients are primarily children, older adults and individuals with a disability.
I am thankful to those who worked tirelessly to find solutions, both big and small. The outpouring of support truly showed why we are the City of Good Neighbors. From small community food drives to the efforts of FeedMore WNY, our community responded in a big way during this unexpected and unfortunate disruption.
But the work must continue. Many of our pantries are now facing empty shelves after the recent increase in the need for emergency food. I encourage all who can to donate to help replenish food stocks, especially as we enter the holiday season.
Erie County has started a food drive, collecting shelf-stable food for FeedMore WNY. There is also the option to make a financial donation directly to FeedMore at bit.ly/ecfooddrive. If you are able, this is a way to help our food pantries recover and to ensure that all are able to celebrate the holidays with a family meal.
Another way to give back is by donating your time. Contact your local food pantry to see if they can use an extra set of hands. You can ask your local municipality if there are any community events where volunteers are needed.
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library is also accepting volunteer applications. Volunteer time, energy and goodwill are invaluable assets to our libraries. Applications are available at buffalolib.org/become-volunteer. Anyone with questions should contact the library branch where you are interested in volunteering. Residents in the City of Buffalo should call (716) 858-7197 or email germainem@buffalolib.org.
Volunteers are also essential to the day-to-day operations of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. There are several volunteer opportunities to choose from, with varying skill, experience, and time commitment requirements. Please contact volunteer@buffalogardens.com or 716-827-1584 ext. 224 with any questions.
Lastly, while this can be a busy time of year, remember that even small gestures of kindness can make a difference. Check in on a homebound neighbor, give someone else your spot in line, or do something to make a coworker feel special. These important acts help us to connect with one another and set a good example. I wish everyone a happy holiday season!