'Tidings of Joy' Christmas Project underway at local libraries

For more than 20 years, the Youth Services (REACH) division of Community Missions of Niagara Frontier Inc. has coordinated with Niagara County libraries to put on the "Tidings of Joy" Christmas Project. The program provides Christmas gifts for youth involved with the mission, allowing members of the community to purchase gifts for the youth.

The project involves setting up trees in local libraries with paper ornaments corresponding to wish list items the youth have requested. The trees are located in libraries in Niagara Falls (city and LaSalle branches), North Tonawanda and Lockport. Patrons are asked to return an unwrapped gift to the library by Dec. 16. The program then disperses the gifts to the youth to ensure a happy holiday season.

The program is supported by a number of local organizations, including the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, St. John de LaSalle Parish and Staples. Call 716-285-3403, ext. 2231, with any questions, or participate by visiting a local library today.

In 2012, CMI provided more than 70,000 meals and 9,000 nights of care within its crisis services programs. Additional agency programs serve adults and youth with psychiatric disabilities, parolees, at-risk youth and other underserved populations in both residential and recovery-oriented settings. For more information on the services and programs provided by Community Missions, visit www.communitymissions.org or connect via Facebook or Twitter.

Pick up ornaments with wish list items and return the presents to one of the following libraries:

• Niagara Falls City Branch (1425 Main St., Niagara Falls, NY 14305),
• Niagara Falls LaSalle Branch (8728 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14304)
• North Tonawanda (505 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120)
• Lockport (23 East Ave., Lockport, NY 14094)