January 2, 2025 — Members and leaders of Division 187 presented a total of $2,000 to food banks around the state for the holiday season.
In Buffalo, the Division donated $200 to FeedMore WNY Foundation, Inc., presented by member Matthew Srodawa. FeedMore WNY’s mission is to offer dignity, hope and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to Western New Yorkers in need.
The Division donated $200 to Meals on Wheels in Rochester, presented by members Yuliya White, Jessica Holland, and Michelle Ortiz. Meals on Wheels at the University of Rochester Medical Center provides nutritious meals to seniors delivered by screened, compassionate, and caring volunteers who are always ready with a pleasant greeting and a warm smile.
In Syracuse, $200 went to We Rise Above the Streets Recovery Youth Outreach Inc., presented by member Andrea Hughes. The organization’s mission is to deliver high energy messages that encourage people to live up to their full potential by breaking the cycle of homelessness and criminality through feeding the homeless, addressing food security, and more.
The Division also donated $200 to Northern New York Community Foundation in Watertown, presented by Division Treasurer Chad Shelmidine. Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, awarding grants and scholarships and collecting funds to benefit the region.
A $1,200 donation went to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, presented by Council Leader Timothy Bopp and Assistant Council Leader John Nicotina, in Latham. The food bank collects donated food and distributes it to more than 1,000 partner agencies and programs throughout 23 counties of northeastern New York. The food provided by the Regional Food Bank helps to feed over 350,000 people each month.
