Niagara County, city leaders to boost troops Monday

Lawmakers, mayor will support Blue Star Mothers drive spearheaded by Corwin, Maziarz, Collins

Leaders from Niagara County and Lockport city government plan to bolster local efforts to boost the morale and meet the needs of American troops deployed around the world protecting America's freedom by working to bring some of the comforts of home to the front lines.

They plan to present care packages for soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen deployed at remote bases to the Blue Star Mothers to make sure the troops aren't forgotten. The local officials will join State Sen. George D. Maziarz, Assemblywoman Jane L. Corwin and U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, who have been collecting needed items throughout June ahead of the Independence Day holiday.

Joining Maziarz, Corwin and Collins at Lockport VFW Post 2535, 112 Caledonia St., at 9 a.m. Monday will be the Lockport delegation to the Niagara County Legislature and County Clerk Wayne F. Jagow, along with Lockport Mayor Anne E. McCaffrey and representatives of the Lockport Common Council.

All indicated they would be supporting the effort with donations gathered among friends and family, in addition to the items collected at Maziarz', Collins' and Corwin's local offices.

According to a press release from Corwin's office, military personnel have been seeking protein bars, beef jerky, packaged tuna, travel-sized packs of nuts, packaged oatmeal and travel-sized toiletries, among other comfort items.

The collection effort has also relied heavily on support from local grocers, including Dash's Market in Clarence, Tops Friendly Markets in Lockport, Pixley ShurFine in Akron, and Budwey's Market in Newfane, which have joined the collection efforts.