Since 2007,  Rotary Club of Hamburg has sponsored Warm the Children, providing new, warm winter clothes for less fortunate families in the southtowns.  To date, 300 children from 125 families are wearing new jackets, hats, sweaters and other new clothing, thanks to the generosity of community members, organizations and local businesses.  Rotary hopes to assist up to 400 children this year.
 
Rotary Club of Hamburg is extremely grateful to the following Joyful Benefactors for their generous donations: Louise K. Mokadam Family Foundation, Alice L. Say Foundation, businesses and organizations such as Lutz’s Mobil, McAllister Plumbing, Hamburg Methodist Church and Hamburg Central Employees Association.
 
Elizabeth Angelbeck, who coordinates Warm the Children for Rotary, reports that most donations come from generous individuals, particularly those who support the program from year to year. “It’s important for donors to know that all funds collected go toward the purchase of new, winter clothing, as Rotary pays for any expenses associated with the program,” she adds.
 
Volunteer shoppers accompany families to Walmart, where they select warm clothing for their children.  From shopper Grace Janiga: “Thank you so much for this program! The recipients are very grateful, as I hear it and see the gratitude from them.  Rotary is making a difference for so many children!”
 
Individuals wishing to donate may do so by mailing a check to Evans Bank, 5999 S. Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075 or online: www.hamburgrotaryclub.org/SitePage/warm-the-children.