NOCO donates to Buffalo City Mission

NOCO Express launched a Code Blue fundraising campaign at its 31 Western New York stores to benefit the Buffalo City Mission. NOCO customers generously donated $7,148 by purchasing "Code Blue" paper snowflakes from Feb. 16-28. NOCO matched that contribution for a total donation of $14,296. In addition, five NOCO Express stores also served as collection points where people donated winter coats, warmer clothing, gloves and socks.

"This was the first year we partnered with the Buffalo City Mission to raise awareness for the work they do to ensure no one in the Queen City is left outside in the cold," said Michael Newman, NOCO's executive vice president. "Our customers responded generously to the call to action to assist those men and women who rely on the Buffalo City Mission for shelter, warmth and a hot meal."

A "Code Blue" is called when temperatures in Buffalo drop to 32 degrees or lower. The Buffalo City Mission opens its doors to provide shelter, clothing and hot meals for anyone, but especially for the chronically homeless who normally do not reside in shelters. The Buffalo City Mission has called 67 "Code Blue" alerts, which is an increase of 48 percent compared to last year at this time.

"On behalf of the Buffalo City Mission, please accept our heartfelt thanks for the NOCO Snowflake Fundraising Campaign to benefit 'Code Blue,' " said Stuart Harper, executive director at Buffalo City Mission. "Buffalo is definitely a city of good neighbors, as NOCO customers rose above and beyond with a concerted effort to provide meals, and more, to those in desperate need. We greatly appreciate NOCO Energy Corp. understanding the need of the 'Code Blue' program. Your efforts helped feed, clothe and house thousands of people through this initiative. Thank you again NOCO, and all of Western New York for making this your mission."