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Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw Jr. delivers donations to WNY Heroes President/CEO Chris Kreiger for the Adopt-A-Hero Family program. Mychajliw's office adopted a family of six as part of a communitywide effort to honor, thank and support veterans and their families.
Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw Jr. delivers donations to WNY Heroes President/CEO Chris Kreiger for the Adopt-A-Hero Family program. Mychajliw's office adopted a family of six as part of a communitywide effort to honor, thank and support veterans and their families.

Mychajliw's office partners with WNY Heroes to fulfill Christmas wishes for veterans

Submitted

Mon, Dec 17th 2018 03:10 pm

Office of Erie County comptroller adopts a military family for Christmas

Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw Jr. and his staff supported WNY Heroes’ Adopt-A-Hero Family program to make Christmas a little brighter for one local family of six. Meeting with WNY Heroes President/CEO Chris Kreiger, an Iraq War veteran, Mychajliw personally delivered donations and learned more about the agency’s year-round efforts.

“Thank you to WNY Heroes for operating the Adopt-A-Hero Family program,” he said. “This worthwhile agency makes sure veterans and their families are not forgotten this Christmas. Every little bit helps. Our veterans risked their lives fighting for freedom here at home and around the world. I’m proud to give back in this small way. Providing a nice Christmas for a family of six is just a small way we can give thanks this holiday season for their service to our great nation.

“During our tour of WNY Heroes’ offices, people were constantly coming in with Christmas donations. That outpouring of support from the community was really nice to see. The room was packed with gifts that are sure to bring a smile to these veterans and their children. WNY Heroes deserves a great deal of credit for working so hard on behalf of veterans, not just during the holidays, but year-round.”

Mychajliw toured the WNY Heroes’ headquarters in Clarence.

The agency helps veterans and their families through numerous programs and grants. WNY Heroes serves veterans from Buffalo to Rochester. The extent of WNY Heroes’ outreach far surpasses the borders of Erie County and includes diverse programs with numerous benefits for veterans and their families.

Programs include: “Heroes’ Bridge,” to help pay for a veteran’s mortgage, rent and/or utilities; “Pawsitive for Heroes,” to partner veterans with a service/therapy dog; William E. Kramp Scholarship for students; “Operation Backpack,” to provide children of veterans or those still serving with backpacks filled with essential school supplies; “Little Heroes,” which gives financial assistance for extracurricular activities; “Operation Automotive” sends donated vehicles to veterans; and “Operation B.O.O.T.S. – Battle Buddies On Our Troops’ Side” brings veterans and their families together for networking and friendship.

“WNY Heroes honorably serves veterans 365 days a year,” Mychajliw said. “They are extremely dedicated to helping military members and their families live happy and healthy lives. These veterans more than deserve it for their service to the greatest country on Earth: the United States of America. I applaud the staff and volunteers for their hard work. We can’t thank our veterans enough. We should do everything we can to support them.”

Mychajliw recognized the generosity of his staff for making this donation possible, especially Chris Musialowski and Kelly Terranova for leading the organizational efforts in the office to collect donations.
Operating since 2007, the Adopt-A-Hero Family program assists 610 veterans and family members across 12 counties.

With only a few days to go before Christmas, WNY Heroes is still collecting donations to help the family of a veteran this Christmas. Those able to adopt a family are asked to call 716-630-5020 for information, or visit https://wnyheroes.org.

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