Explore & More Children's Museum, BankOnBuffalo partner for winter clothing drive, reduced MLK Day admission

In recognition of the National Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 16, which also commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum and BankOnBuffalo have to launch the collection of needed winter clothing items (new hats, mittens and socks) for the adults and families residing at Gerard Place. This fundraiser will be held for the fourth consecutive year.

In addition, as the presenting sponsor for Martin Luther King Jr. Day’s educational activities at Explore & More, BankOnBuffalo is contributing to the admission fee for everyone coming to the museum on Jan. 16, resulting in a savings of 38% off the regular non-member admission fee, which will be just $5.

“BankOnBuffalo is proud to partner once again with Explore & More in honoring the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” said Michael Noah, BankOnBuffalo president. “Our sponsorship of the museum’s activities and reduced public admission fees on this day, and our enthusiastic support of the drive to collect much-needed winter clothing for those served by Gerard Place, are particularly important now, given all this community has been through over the last year.”

Collection bins will be set up at the museum and all BankOnBuffalo branches through Jan. 31 for those wishing to donate new and unused winter clothing such as jackets, blankets, hats and gloves for adults and children in need at Gerard Place.

Items can also be donated via Amazon’s Wish List at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3LV7QMAE28G21/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3.

Gerard Place has been providing housing since 2000 for homeless, single parents and their families and empowering those parents through education, employment, vocational training, life skills classes and counseling.

"Gerard Place is grateful to BankOnBuffalo and Explore & More for their collection of coats and warm weather items for the people we serve,” said David Zapfel, CEO/president of Gerard Place. “Every week, hundreds of people are served by Gerard Place from giving out food, blankets and coats to job training and housing. Located in the Bailey-Delevan community, we rely on community partners like BankOnBuffalo and Explore & More, who generously give of their time and energy to make our community better.”

In addition to the donation drive, Explore & More has planned a day of storytelling, crafts and educational activities all focused on celebrating King's life and teachings of diversity, equality, freedom and resistance. 

Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum is located in the heart of Buffalo, at Canalside (130 Main St.), and “offers children and families four floors to unlock the limitless potential in all of us.” Call 716-655-5131 or visit www.exploreandmore.org.

BankOnBuffalo, a division of CNB Bank, currently operates 13 offices in Akron, Amherst, Buffalo, Clarence, Clarence Center, Lancaster, Niagara Falls, Orchard Park, Williamsville, Wilson and the BankOnWheels mobile office. More information is available at www.bankonbuffalo.bank.

Since 2000, Gerard Place has been providing housing for homeless single parents and their families and empowering those parents through education, employment, vocational training, life skills classes and counseling. Now 22 years later, Gerard Place has over 20 programs and services available to the community. More information is available at https://gerardplace.org.