BUFFALO, N.Y. — Looking for a way to give back this holiday season? Perhaps look no further than an organization in Buffalo.
Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the Ladies of Charity are looking for donations and people who may benefit from the Santa's Workshop program.
“Family budgets are stretched, and Christmas can be an overwhelming and stressful time for many,” said Julie Lulek, senior director of Catholic Charities.
“Through the community’s generous donations to Santa’s Workshop, we are helping to brighten the holidays and provide a gift, books, and stocking stuffers to hundreds of local families. While anything you may be able to contribute is greatly appreciated, this year we have an urgent need for items aimed at tweens and teens.”
You can be part of that mission, too, to make sure that everyone gets a gift underneath the tree.
"I wish that we could share the joy that we get by being able to fulfill Christmas dreams. It's really special to be able to be part of that. Everybody should feel the magic of Christmas and receive at least one gift," Lulek said.
They're asking for new or unwrapped donations of toys, books, puzzle, board games and more. They're collecting donations for children and teens age 10 and older.
- St. Benedict Church, 1317 Eggert Road, Amherst, inside the church vestibule. Catholic Charities’ Operations Hub, where the Christmas program is housed, is located on the campus of St. Benedict Parish. Items can be dropped off before or after Mass times (Saturdays at 5 p.m.; and Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.), or during normal business hours.
- Catholic Charities’ Downtown District Office, 525 Washington St., Buffalo, Monday through Friday during normal business hours of 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Lulek said, "Catholic Charities, Ladies of Charity program is unique that we serve kids up to 18."
Santa’s Workshop will accept referrals Monday, Dec. 2, through Wednesday, Dec. 11. These referrals are first come, first serve. If you live in Erie County those will go through the Catholic Charities’ Downtown District Office. If you live outside of Erie County, you can call 211 and ask for a referral to the WNY Holiday Toy Partnership.