Once again, the Judges and Police Executives Conference of Niagara County gathered for its annual Christmas celebration at the Como Restaurant. Many members wore Christmas attire and spread a little Christmas cheer. But much more than that, the group was again able to help organizations in the community that help others.
The real reason behind this Christmas celebration is to help those community groups that reach out and help those in need all year round. This year, the Judges and Police were able to help 10 community groups with donations to further their cause. All of the charities received $500 in assistance from the Judges and Police to continue their much-needed work.
The following organizations were recipients of donations: Niagara Falls Kiwanis Club, Care-n-Share Food Pantry of Ransomville, Niagara SPCA (in memory of officer Craig Lehner), The Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive, St. John's Church of Niagara Falls giving tree, North Tonawanda PBA and Firefighters Organization (Christmas youth program), David W. Kinney Memorial Fund (youth program), The Dale Association, Sunrise Optimist Club of Lockport and Lockport Lions Club. The well-known Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive also received an additional donation to keep its program going. Members brought jars of peanut butter and jelly to the celebration.
The Hon. Justice James J. Faso, president of Judges and Police Executive Conference, said, "Our group was really pleased to help out more this year than ever before. Through events we held during the year, we were able to increase our assistance to the organizations that help so many others in the community."
Most of the groups were able to send a representative to receive their donations.
