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M&T teams up with Buffalo Bills, The Salvation Army to help local families stay warm during winter months
M&T Bank recently announced the return of its “Gift of Warmth” campaign, the region’s longest-running warm clothing collection program. At all of M&T’s 65 local branches, Western New Yorkers can donate new gloves, mittens, scarves, hats and coats now through Jan. 3. All donations are given to local families served by The Salvation Army of Buffalo.
This year, M&T is teaming up with the Buffalo Bills to organize a special collection event called “Huddle Up for Warmth” on Dec. 6 at its Hamburg Branch, 6000 South Park Ave. Fans will be encouraged to bring winter clothing donations, and they will have the opportunity to meet Buffalo Bills legend Thurman Thomas.
“Whenever the temperatures begin to plummet, the generosity of our community always seems to rise to even greater heights,” said Jim Jarosz, M&T Bank group vice president for retail banking in Western New York. “Our team at M&T Bank has seen it first-hand over and over again through our ‘Gift of Warmth’ campaign. Since it began, we have collected and distributed more than 31,600 winter clothing items to children and families across the region.”
In 1985, M&T Bank employees started the “Gift of Warmth” campaign to encourage their co-workers to donate warm outer wear for families served by The Salvation Army. It has grown into a communitywide initiative that collects thousands of winter clothing items every year.
“For more than 30 years, M&T Bank’s ‘Gift of Warmth’ drive has proven that everyone can make a difference and help our corner of the world become just little bit brighter and warmer,” said Maj. Annette Lock, director of operations for The Salvation Army of Buffalo. “We are happy to again stand with M&T to ensure more children and families have the winter clothing they need to stay warm during Buffalo’s cold and snowy months.”
“Our community continually shows its strength by banding together to help our neighbors. The Buffalo Bills organization is proud to support our longtime partner M&T Bank in its mission of providing for local families in need of hats, coats and other warm clothing,” said Dan Misko, Pegula Sports & Entertainment’s senior vice president of business development. “We’re especially looking forward to gathering donations that will make a difference for many Western New Yorkers at our ‘Huddle up for Warmth’ on Dec. 6.”
Donations can be dropped off at any of the 65 M&T branches throughout Western New York. Branches in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties are participating. Most branches are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. To find the nearest branch and its hours of operation, individuals should visit https://locations.mtb.com.
In addition to M&T branches, collection bins will also be located at several senior and health care facilities throughout the month of December.