People For People program brightens holidays
Food Check - Shelly Dolce of the Gowanda Central School Teachers’ Association gathers up food for one of nearly 60 food boxes delivered to local families in need.
Boxing Goodies - Dee Grainge looks over the boxes of food being prepared for distribution with help from Molly Palcic, right, and Margaret Kota, kneeling.
The Healthy Community Alliance worked with a number of local organizations and volunteers, including Don Gernatt, Dee Grainge, Gowanda Central School Teachers Association, Collins/Gowanda Correctional facilities, Gowanda BPW, Gowanda Area Federal Credit Union, Collins Center Fireman’s Auxiliary, Collins Fire Company #1, VFW Post 5007 veterans, ladies auxiliary, and men’s auxiliary; Women of the Moose Gowanda Chapter 651 Gabel Brothers Furniture, United Way of Gowanda, the 50-Plus Seniors, Carrier Coach, Dana Rosier, and many volunteer food sorters, drivers, and delivery persons to coordinate the program.
Gowanda Lions Club - Lynn Abbey, Lois Johnson, Steve Meyers; and Gowanda Kiwanis Club coordinated the toy collection and distribution portion of the People For People program. Many individuals and businesses donated money, food, toys, and time to make this year’s People For People program one of the most successful to date.
When People For People began over 15 years ago, 10 food baskets were distributed. Since then, the program has grown to include not only the makings of a holiday meal, but other food staples, and toys and gifts for the children in each family served.