BUFFALO, N.Y. — This year's First Night Party Packs are out, and the Independent Health Foundation donated a bunch to community groups so families can celebrate the new year at home in-style.
"Let me tell you, I'm a grandmother now, and my grandkids, they love this package," said Maritza Vega, Vice President of the Hispanic Heritage Council.
We caught up with Vega Friday morning at the West Side Community Center as she got First Night Party Packs ready for families.
"To have them do fun things, fun activities, you know, with the crayons, blowing up balloons, the noise makers," Vega said.
First Night Buffalo is in its 36th year and its fifth online. You can buy Party Packs for $25 at Tops and sales benefit Oishei Children's Hospital.
Vega says it's very important to have a family oriented way for kids to celebrate on New Year's Eve.
"At home, you don't have to worry about driving. You don't know who's out there driving, drinking and driving, but having the event at home with the kids, and the parents, and the grandkids, and the grandparents so that way the kids will have fun at home to enjoy these activities. It's one of best things that one could do. I'm so glad they came up with this concept because we have to continue with the emphasis in family and family unity, and what better way to do family unity than to do activities together," Vega said.
And, while you can buy a Party Pack, these ones were donated by the Independent Health Foundation and will go to families in our community.
"Most of the Party Packs will go to families who are participants in our after school and our teen programs, and some of our senior program families, too. It's really enjoyable because, you know, if there's really bad weather on New Year's Eve or people just prefer to stay home because they have young children or grandchildren, this gives them the opportunity to have a lot of fun at home," said Mary Schaefer, West Side Community Services, Director of Operations.
Vega added: "Having the event at home with your family and the children, it's the most exiting way that you can share memories with them because the kids, they will grow up, and they will always remember this Family Pack."