BUFFALO, N.Y. — P.U.N.T Pediatric Cancer Collaborative hosted its annual Adopt-a-Family gift pick up on Tuesday. The nonprofit celebrated a record breaking gift collection this year with donations being sent home to 84 families facing pediatric cancer.
The Adopt-a-Family program allows families in active treatment for pediatric cancer to fulfil their wish lists during the holidays. The center has also adopted families who've lost children to cancer this past year. The nonprofit said the gift giveaway program allows families to enjoy the holidays without worrying about finances or other emotional hardships.
"Most of our families, there is a ripple effect that comes from the practical part of this, and just paying bills, making ends meet," Executive Director Gwen Mysiak said. "A family will usually have a parent that stops working because you're not gonna have your child battling cancer and not be by their side, so as families come to pick things up, we know we can't fix the big things that are happening to you right now, but we hope the little things that take off the edge. Just give you enough stamina to keep going."
Families were able to pick up their gifts at the Eagle Hall in Depew on Tuesday with Santa stopping by as well to say hello.