To help combat another cold Western New York winter, the Buffalo Bills, M&T Bank and the Salvation Army have launched the collection of new jackets, hats, gloves, and any other warm clothing for the Gift of Warmth – an annual drive sponsored by M&T Bank to ensure area residents have the protection they need from the cold Buffalo winter elements.
To help kickstart this year's campaign, Buffalo Bills players ventured to the Salvation Army Downtown Offices at 960 Main St. in Buffalo, where they met with 50 children from the Salvation Army to decorate picture frames and make fleece pillows. All of the children in attendance had the chance to have their pictures taken with Bills players, have the photo printed, and placed in their decorated frame to give as a holiday gift.
Once all activities were completed, Bills players and all attending children will enjoyed a pizza party to celebrate their work.
Watch a recap of the Gift of Warmth Gathering, sponsored by M&T Bank by clicking here.
All of this is being done in order to remind as many people as possible that people are in dire need of warm clothing as the winter season approaches. For those who'd like to help make a difference, there will be an opportunity Sunday, December 2nd, at the "Gift of Warmth Game Day Collection" prior to kickoff against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ralph Wilson Stadium. There, volunteers will be collecting new winter clothing to be distributed to those in need in time for the holiday season.
This year, Bills safety Da'Norris Searcy helped spearhead the effort to bring in as many donations as possible. As the collection date approaches, Da'Norris has been taking steps to remind everyone how important it is to contribute.
"I am honored to partner with the Salvation Army & M&T Bank on such a worthy cause in the spirit of giving and bringing warmth to our deserving and loyal fans & citizens of Buffalo," said Bills safety Da'Norris Searcy.
"Western New Yorkers have always been very generous to their neighbors and we've been able to work together with our employees and customers to collect thousands of clothing items for the Salvation Army each year. We welcome the opportunity to accept donations in our branches again this year," said Tim McMorrow, group vice president for retail banking in Western New York for M&T.
For those unable to attend Sunday's game, there are other ways to make donations. Fans can go to any M&T Bank Branch in Western New York during the entire month of December and drop off new warm clothing for someone to use this winter and in winters to come.
