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Buffalo City Mission launches fall campaign and annual turkey drive

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Fri, Nov 5th 2021 08:45 am

Initiative seeks to raise $2.8 million to serve community’s poor & homeless

√ Program sets goal of 1,500 donated turkeys before Thanksgiving holiday

On Friday, the Buffalo City Mission announced the launch of its annual fall fundraising campaign, a significant annual initiative to advance its work in providing critical programs and services for the homeless of Buffalo.

Through this year’s fall campaign, the City Mission asks for community support to help raise $2.8 million through Dec. 31 – representing 28% of the organization’s annual operating budget. This campaign helps the agency provide the finances and resources necessary to sustain its year-round work in serving the poor and homeless.

“Our annual fall campaign is an important time where we once again ask our community for their generous support,” said Stuart Harper, CEO and executive director of the City Mission. “Our target $2.8 million will perpetuate the services and programs that can help transform the lives of our neighbors in need.”

He added, “In 2020, the USA Census record reported that more than 30% of people in Buffalo were living below the poverty line – a clear reminder of the significant effect homelessness has on this region. Through our fall campaign, we can help reduce that number. By raising critical funds, we’re able to provide programs and services available for every individual that comes through our doors.”

Last year, the City Mission served 93,508 meals and provided 59,696 safe nights of sleep shelter. As the region’s largest homeless shelter, the organization said it “stands resolute in its role as a center of hope, restoration and support – working with the community, for the betterment of those in need.”

The City Mission is also kicking off its annual turkey drive to provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal for over 5,300 impoverished families, the elderly, and shut-ins. There are only 20 days until Thanksgiving, and the agency set a goal to collect 1,500 turkeys from now through Friday, Nov. 19.

A press release said, “In a time of year where fellowship is celebrated, many who visit the City Mission face hardship. These individuals seek refuge, shelter and a community for support during a time of great adversity. Through the turkey drive, the City Mission is once again dedicated to deliver a happy Thanksgiving for all, through the generosity and good will of many.”

Harper said, “There is a great need in our community. We have the power to make a difference, and all contributions will help us make that impact. Together, we can continue to help put others on a path to hope and renewal.”

The turkey drive is driven by individual turkey donations. Members of the community can contribute by delivering turkeys to the City Mission at 100 E. Tupper St. Drop-offs are welcome between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays.

To volunteer or learn how to help a neighbor find hope this Thanksgiving, call 716-854-8181, ext. 408. To learn more about the annual fall campaign and how a donation can help restore a life of a fellow Buffalonian, visit buffalocitymission.org. To stay updated on these initiatives and the broader work of the Buffalo City Mission, follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a nonprofit organization providing preventative, emergency and transitional housing programs to thousands of people who are homeless and impoverished every year. That includes the new Alfiero Family Center of Hope and Promise and a Women and Children’s Shelter (Cornerstone Manor), along with the Dick Road Thrift Store to serve the Western New York community. For more information, visit www.buffalocitymission.org or call 716-854-8181.

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