BUFFALO, N.Y. — Volunteers at the Buffalo Dream Center were hard at work on Saturday, packing thousands of grocery bags and wrapping Christmas presents for families in need.
The nonprofit said this annual tradition gives people hope. It wants to make sure no one goes hungry this holiday season.
"It's important for a lot of the families," Pastor Eric Johns of the Buffalo Dream Center said. "We have a lot of single moms, grandmothers, families that are struggling financially, so this is really just a little bit of a boost to help them with food for the holidays, and toys for their kids.
"A lot of parents tell us that they can't afford a lot of new toys for Christmas, and so this helps them out."
Alex and Nate Johns, the sons of Pastor Johns will be living on the streets of Buffalo Monday through Saturday with people who are experiencing homelessness.
"We have volunteers come from all over Western New York every year to make a difference," Pastor Johns said ahead of the event. "It takes about one thousand volunteers to pack bags of food, wrap gifts, and help distribute Boxes of Love to families. It all begins tonight."