Buffalo Sabres giving back to community in holiday season

Buffalo Sabres Press Releases

AT9 Foundation toy drive supporting Summit Center families returns

Alex Tuch’s AT9 Foundation, in conjunction with “97 Rock” and The Summit Center, announced the return of a holiday toy drive to support families in need this holiday season. Running through Dec. 16, the drive will benefit families with children attending The Summit Center, many of whom are experiencing financial challenges.

“The holidays are about community, and we have so many families right here in Western New York that are in need,” said Tuch, founder of the AT9 Foundation. “The Summit Center plays a significant role in supporting families facing challenges in our city, and I am honored to be part of this initiative once again. I have no doubt that the Buffalo community will come together to make this holiday season special for those who could use some extra support.”

Members of the community can contribute to the drive by donating new, unwrapped toys at various drop-off locations, including select Delta Sonic locations and Dave & Adam’s Card World at 8075 Sheridan Drive, Clarence. Supporters may also shop from The Summit Center’s holiday wish lists available on Amazon and Target, with gifts shipped directly to The Summit Center.

“Our families face numerous challenges in caring for their child with autism, and many are struggling with the financial burden,” said Lisa Foti, CEO of The Summit Center. “This holiday toy drive is a meaningful way to provide them with extra support over the holidays. We’re so grateful to Alex and his AT9 Foundation for raising awareness about their needs.”

Participating Delta Sonic locations include:

• 1355 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst
• 4973 Transit Road, Williamsville
• 2285 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga
• 2590 Delaware Ave., Buffalo
• 1264 Main St., Buffalo
• Niagara Falls Boulevard and 80th Street, Niagara Falls
• 3205 Orchard Park Road, Orchard Park
• 350 Langner Road, West Seneca
• 4817 Transit Road, Depew
• 1006 McKinley Parkway, Buffalo
• 3100 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst

In addition to toy donations, financial contributions to the AT9 Foundation are also welcome. These funds will be used to purchase toys and gifts for the drive. To donate, visit at9foundation.org/donate.

The AT9 Foundation, founded by Tuch and his family, is committed to assisting children and families facing challenges. The foundation focuses on supporting research to end children’s cancer and helping individuals with special needs. To learn more, visit at9foundation.org.

The Summit Center is Western New York’s leading expert on autism spectrum disorder. Through its educational, behavioral health, and community integration programs, it supports more than 1,100 children and adults each year with autism and other developmental disabilities. For more than 50 years, it has given people tools to achieve their greatest potential. 

‘Sabres Holiday Angels’ program returns for 2024

The Buffalo Sabres announced the team will partner with Child and Family Services for the return of the “Sabres Holiday Angels” program presented by AMR. “Sabres Holiday Angels” is an adopt-a-family program that allows Sabres fans to support their neighbors in need this holiday season.

“With the continued generosity of our fans, the ‘Sabres Holiday Angels’ program has made the holidays brighter for countless families in need,” Buffalo Sabres Vice President of Community Relations Rich Jureller said. “We are grateful to see our community come together each year to bring joy and support to families across Western New York.”

Sabres fans can visit sabres.com/holidayangels to adopt a family to provide gifts to. After registering, fans will receive information via email with details regarding gifts for the family they have been chosen to support. Information will typically include age, gender, clothing size and interests for each person to assist with shopping efforts.

Fans may also donate individual gifts of the donor’s choosing, and Child and Family Services will match the gift with a person or family in need. Additionally, fans have the option to bring wrapping paper and wrapping accessories to one of the drop-off locations listed below.

“AMR is honored to partner with the Buffalo Sabres and Child and Family Services for the Holiday Angels Program," said Scott Karaszewski, chief EMS officer at AMR Western New York. "The holiday season is about bringing hope and joy to those who need it most, and we are honored to play a role in helping support families across Western New York during this special time of year."

Those who would like to participate but are unable to make it to a drop-off location may donate a gift card by mailing it directly to Child and Family Services at 844 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209.

“The partnership between the Buffalo Sabres and Child and Family Services exemplifies the true spirit of our community coming together during the holidays,” Child and Family Services Chief Communications and Development Officer Mary Czopp said. “Thank you to everyone who becomes a ‘Holiday Angel’ this season and makes a lasting impact on a neighbor in need.”

Child and Family Services asks that donors leave all gifts unwrapped and note the family’s number on each gift with the labels provided. Gifts are due to the charity by Friday, Dec. 13, and can be dropped off at the following locations:

•Child and Family Services: 824 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays Dec. 5-13

•KeyBank Center, Sabres Alumni Plaza: 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13

Fans are asked to contact Sara Schumacher by phone at 716-335-7231 or email at [email protected] with any questions regarding “Sabres Holiday Angels,” if they have signed up but can no longer provide gifts, or if they need to change their delivery time or location.

Child and Family Services is a private, not-for-profit human service organization that provides comprehensive programming for children, adults and families in Western New York. The agency’s 145-year-old mission of strengthening families and promoting the well-being of children through prevention, intervention, education and advocacy empowers more than 10,000 individuals each year. A wide range of services include foster care and adoption, mental health counseling, domestic violence prevention services, special education programming, employee assistance programming, and residential treatment programs for youth. To learn more, visit www.cfsbny.org, call 716-842-2750, or check out Child and Family Services at facebook.com/cfsbny and twitter.com/cfsbny.