BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — This holiday season has been marred by tragedy for several families in Buffalo. However, in the darkness one organization is a shining ray of hope.
"A city is going through some hard times at this place. You know? We just had a violent week where as we lost some children to a tragedy a fire in our community," Lenny Lane said, the president of F.A.T.H.E.R.S., a community activistim organization.
F.A.T.H.E.R.S hosted its 18th Toys for Joys at Dr. Lydia T. Wright School in Buffalo. They provide more than just toys for families in need. It also provides coats, shoes, bikes, and food. This year the group wants to help local families dealing with loss including the family who lost a 40year old girl, 8-year-old boy, and a 26-year-old woman in Friday morning's house fire on Shirley Avenue. It is also helping the family of a woman killed in a shooting on Erb Street earlier this week.
"Whatever the family may need at this time we do have somethings that we want to donate to those families so that we can take a little bit of pressure of of them during the holiday season," Lane said.
Toys for Joys was made for the community by the community. Organizations like SNUG and Peacemakers were there. The Mayor also helped out. Lane said it shows that Buffalo is one large family.
"So when all of the toys run out. When all of the clothes get worn. When all of the sneakers run out. You can always know that a community that stays together, prays together."
