Ryan presents Empire Award to Ken-Ton Closet

On Friday, New York State Sen. Sean Ryan visited the Ken-Ton Closet, a volunteer organization committed to supporting children in need, to present volunteers with a New York State Senate Empire Award to commemorate the organization’s ninth anniversary.

The Ken-Ton Closet was founded in January 2013 to provide children living in the Village of Kenmore and Town of Tonawanda with items such as clothing, school supplies, and toiletries at no cost to their families. In 2019, the growing organization relocated to its current home, which comprises an entire wing of the former Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Children can visit every other month to shop for supplies in classrooms repurposed to resemble various sections of a department store.

The New York State Senate Empire Award recognizes businesses and institutions in New York that have made significant contributions to their local community.

Ryan said, “For nearly a decade, the Ken-Ton Closet has supported families in need by providing their children with everyday items that many of their peers take for granted. But what makes their work so special isn’t just the donations they facilitate; it’s the memorable experience they create for these kids. This is a well-deserved honor for Jill O’Malley and the Ken-Ton Closet’s many dedicated volunteers, and I thank them all for their commitment to the Ken-Ton community.”