12 Good Causes in Your Neighborhood
As the snow begins to fall and holiday lights twinkle throughout Western New York, the spirit of giving takes center stage. It’s not just about exchanging presents—it’s about giving back to the community that defines us. Known for its big heart and resilient spirit, Buffalo embraces the season of generosity with open arms, offering support, warmth, and hope to those in need. Whether it’s providing meals to hungry families, ensuring children have a warm bed to sleep in, or empowering individuals through education and creativity, Buffalo’s non-profits play an essential role in lifting up our neighbors.
We’re celebrating “12 Days of Giving,” highlighting just 12 of the countless remarkable local organizations that embody the true meaning of community. As you reflect on what the holidays mean to you, consider how you can spread the gift of kindness and compassion. After all, the greatest gift we can give this season is a brighter future for all.
everyone deserves a present at christmas
Be a Blessing Buffalo
Founded in memory of John Tolley, Be A Blessing Buffalo is dedicated to looking out for their neighbors by providing essentials like socks, underwear, toiletries, and fulfilling Christmas wish lists for local children. Their mission is to provide love and support, and a little bit of holiday joy by giving back to those in need. They currently support homeless families, men and women through Code Blue of Western New York, single parents in financial distress, and those facing life-changing circumstances.
Become a Sponsor! Partner with Be A Blessing Buffalo and help support over 600 children and 200 adults this holiday season. Take part in their new Shop and Drop! Purchase items from local small businesses to be donated to Be A Blessing.
FB + IG: @beablessingbuffalo
helping children sleep better
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Buffalo
Every child deserves a safe, cozy place to sleep, but too many are without a bed to call their own. That’s where Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) steps in, with a powerful mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!” Recently, SHP’s Buffalo chapter celebrated an inspiring milestone—donating their 200,000th bed. Each bed is lovingly handcrafted by volunteers and given to a child aged 3 to 17.
This holiday season SHP Buffalo is looking for 100 sponsors at $250 a bed! You can also donate funds, bedding, or items from their wish lists.SHP is always looking for volunteers to spend afew hours helping build and deliver beds or to host bedding drives. Help advocate and spread the word of their mission.
FB + IG: @shpbuffalo
buffalo fights cancer, one shift at a time
The 11 Day Power Play
Founded by Mike and Amy Lesakowski after Amy’s triumph from cancer and Mike’s mother succumbing to hers, the 11 Day Power Play began on June 22,2017. Forty men took to the ice trying to set theworld record for the longest continuous hockey game. Through July 3, 2017, they raised more than$1 million for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center!
Following this success, the Community Shift was created, and beneficiaries include so many great organizations and programs in WNY. No one fights cancer alone, and to date they have raised $10 million dollars and broke the world record in November 2021.
Donations make a difference in their fundraising efforts, so become a donor, a sponsor, or even volunteer. Or apply to be on the 11 Day Power Play 2025 team!
FB + IG: @11daypowerplay
spreading love to those who need it
Rooted in Love
Rooted in Love is all about supporting the homeless and underprivileged right here in Western NY, offering more than just help—they provide hope. With a focus on restoring dignity, they provide fresh produce and essential hygiene products completely free of charge. At the heart of their mission is a simple belief: everyone deserves access to healthy food and the basic necessities that make life a little brighter.
Volunteer: Support at Rooted in Love’s main location every Saturday or at one of their scheduled events. Donate: 100% of monetary donations go into their community efforts. Or schedule a drop off time for donations of non- perishable food items and household essentials. Advocate: share their message of dignity and kindness on social media.
FB: @rootedinloveinc || IG: @rooted_in_love_inc
a social organization for individuals of all abilities
Fantastic Friends of WNY
A welcoming community and volunteer-driven organization, Fantastic Friends of WNY offers fun, engaging activities for individuals of all abilities. From bingo and arts & crafts to baking classes, the center provides enriching social experiences for people ages 10 through adulthood. Their programs foster connection, learning, and joy for children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other developmental or intellectual disabilities. With accessible locations and a volunteer-driven approach, Fantastic Friends creates lasting friendships and memories.
Donate! Fantastic Friends relies on contributions from the community, and any amount is appreciated, whether it’s one time or monthly. Help spread the word! Share their message and available resources on Facebook or other social media.
FB + IG: @fantasticfriendswny
empowering neighborhoods
Village Engaged
Village Engaged is all about building a stronger, more connected community with heart. From providing a Community Closet where everyone can find clothing that helps them feel their best, to offering support for LGBTQIA+ individuals, they’re creating safe spaces where everyone can feel seen and valued. Their Youth Village Engaged program brings local teens together to learn, grow, and connect with each other, guided by caring community leaders. It’s all about coming together, lifting each other up, and making a difference—one person at a time.
Join in on opportunities to support community members by volunteering; donations are also always accepted.
FB + IG: @villageengaged
together we all win
Lockport Ice Arena & Sports Center
The Lockport Ice Arena & Sports Center has been at the heart of the community, creating unforgettable moments and bringing people together. It’s more than just a rink—it’s a space for fun, memories, and local tradition. They’re dedicated to building a stronger community by encouraging healthy lifestyles, positive character development, and providing local youth with a fun, supportive environment to grow. With two NHL-sized sled hockey accessible rinks, their goal is to provide a positive, life-changing experience.
As a non-profit organization, they thrive off community donations to keep the doors open and programming available and accessible. “We never want to turn anyone away who cannot afford to pay, and your generosity makes that possible.”
FB + IG: @cornerstoneicearena
advancing social justice for refugee women
Stitch Buffalo
Committed to empowering refugee and immigrant women while inspiring creativity and inclusion, Stitch Buffalo brings the community together, providing empowerment and inclusivity. This textile art center includes a Refugee Women’s Workshop to nurture artistic heritage, Community Classes from embroidery to weaving, and their Second Stitch program gives a second life to textile art supplies while providing a sense of belonging.
They accept financial donations and fulfillments from their Amazon wish list. Offer some supplies for Second Stitch: each year they collect over 15,000 pounds of recycled materials, just be sure to consult their list of accepted items.
FB + IG: @stitchbuffalo
boxes of love
Buffalo Dream Center
A beacon of hope in WNY, the Buffalo Dream Center’s mission is community outreach, “restoring people, rebuilding dreams, and reclaiming the world.” Their Boxes of Love began with one church helping five families and has expanded across the Buffalo area. Every December, local volunteers come together to bring a little extra joy to children in our community. Boxes filled with food and beautifully wrapped gifts are carefully packed and distributed, spreading warmth and cheer throughout the season.
Participate in community outreach as a volunteer or donate items from their Boxes of Love Wish List. Monetary donations provide groceries, furniture, household items, and hygiene products to meet the basic, urgent needs of inner city Buffalo communities.
FB: @BuffaloDreamCenter
simplified car seat safety for the 716 (and beyond)
Buffalo Car Seat Club
Buffalo Car Seat Club is passionate about keeping our little ones safe on the road, with a mission to connect parents and caregivers with resources and encourage best practices for car seat safety in our area. Their team is filled with certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and local caregivers who perform car seat safety checks, review practices, and discuss next steps as our children grow. They walk you through proper car seat installation and can even connect you with local organizations that can help if you need a car seat.
Buffalo Car Seat Club accepts monetary donations of any amount. Take part in their inspections; in addition to free local events, they offer one-on-one safety checks and phone consultations.
FB: @buffalocarseatclub || IG: @thebuffalocarseatclub
spreading creativity and literacy
Dog Ears Bookstore and Cafe
Find everything from new releases to old classics and books of all genres at Dog Ears Bookstore & Café!All proceeds from their sales go directly to children’s creativity and literacy programs here in Western New York. The Enlightenment Bookstore & Literary Arts Center, Inc. provides an atmosphere for quiet reading time, group discussions, writing workshops, and highlights the importance of reading for all ages.
Stop into their café and bookstore for a good book! Shopping local keeps money in the community, and proceeds go to their literacy program. Shop in store or online.
FB: @dogearsbookstore || IG: @dogearsbookstoreandcafe
giving comfort and love-filled support
Hope Totes Buffalo
Founded by Amy Velez and Colleen Marchetta after their sons were hospitalized, Hope Totes Buffalo offers comfort and hope in times of medical need. With an easy-to-use tote setup for all of the necessary paperwork, these totes provide a sense of ease during difficult medical situations. Each Hope Tote includes a binder for medical information, a blanket, slippers, a notebook to jot down thoughts/questions for the doctors, and other personalized items, all in a high- quality tote (or backpack upon request).
Each tote costs approximately $125 and all donations go directly to their mission. Or take part in a business sponsorship! No donation is too small and all are appreciated.
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