Buffalo - To ensure every child in Buffalo has a toy this holiday season, Mayor Byron W. Brown is encouraging all residents and business owners to participate in the first annual TOY JOY DROP-OFF. From now until Friday, December 21, the City is collecting new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to families in need.
Mayor Brown stated, “The holiday season is a time of giving, and in our City of Good Neighbors, our true goal is not to collect the most toys, but to spread the most joy among the children of Buffalo. Please help make this season merry and bright for all residents by making a contribution.”
The TOY JOY DROP-OFF is a toy collection for some of Buffalo’s neediest children and families. From now until December 21st, residents can bring a new and UNWRAPPED toy (for children of all ages) to the following locations:
• Lobby of Buffalo City Hall
• The Police and Fire Headquarters at the Dillon
• 5 Police District Headquarters
• All Fire Houses citywide
Mayor Brown kicked off the TOY JOY DROP-OFF campaign at the City’s annual outdoor holiday tree lighting ceremony. Representatives from the Buffalo Police Department (BPD), Buffalo Fire Department, the Police Benevolent Association, Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282 and the Police Athletic League of Buffalo were in attendance, along with a Blue Santa.
Mayor Brown also introduced BPD’s newest musical sensation: Buffalo’s ‘Caroling Cops’. The Buffalo Police Officers made their singing debut at the tree lighting ceremony and toy drive kickoff. They will be performing at the Broadway Market on December 22 at 1 pm, followed by a performance at the Queen City Pop Up, located at The Shops at the Market Arcade, on December 22 at 2:30.
The lighting of the outdoor City Hall holiday tree, which is located on the façade of the fourth floor portico of Buffalo City Hall, began four years ago. As part of tonight’s festivities, Mayor Brown also reminded residents and visitors that he will light the top of City Hall in a variety of holiday colors throughout the season as part of his Home of the Dome initiative, and he encouraged the Buffalo Landmark Illumination Team to do the same. He also encouraged residents to shop local this holiday season. The 2018 Holiday Edition of the Queen City Pop Up is now underway at The Shops at the Market Arcade. Queen City Pop-Up is downtown’s first pop-up retail program. Four local retailers were selected to participate.
Mayor Brown also encouraged families to check out the City’s outdoor skating venues which opened last weekend at Rotary Rink on Main Street and along the downtown waterfront at Canalside.