Buffalo, NY - As part of his Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Commemoration and Recognition Ceremony, Mayor Byron W. Brown, in partnership with the Division of Citizen Services, the Buffalo Police Department, and community centers, kicked off a special Baby Clothing Drive and called on City residents to donate new baby clothes (Preemie up to 18 months) and baby items, such as diapers, wipes, formula, baby blankets, bibs, baby soap, lotion, wash, strollers, car seats etc., to help babies and mothers in need this winter season. The Baby Donation Drive runs from now until Friday, February 3, 2023. The donated items will be distributed to partnering organizations, including Our Mommie Village, The Priscilla Project, Every Bottom Covered, and Buffalo Prenatal and Perinatal Network.
Mayor Brown stated, “The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is a National Day of Service that encourages people to volunteer and improve communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. King. I’m proud to honor his life and legacy by calling on the City of Good neighbors to support a special baby donation drive that will bring warmth and comfort to the most vulnerable people in our community. As we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of leadership, collaboration, progress, and service, I encourage everyone to get involved as a way to recognize and honor Dr. King’s memory, particularly as we continue to heal as a community after a very challenging 2022. Let’s continue to work together to improve the lives of all of our residents, and build a City of Buffalo that remains united, strong, and resilient.”
In addition to Buffalo City Hall, donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
- Buffalo Police A-District, 1847 South Park Ave.
- Buffalo Police B-District, 695 Main St.
- Buffalo Police C-District, 693 East Ferry St.
- Buffalo Police D-District, 669 Hertel Ave.
- Buffalo Police E-District, 2767 Bailey Ave.
- The Belle Center, 104 Maryland St.
- Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E Delavan Ave.
- North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Sanders Rd.
- Northwest Buffalo Community Center, 155 Lawn Ave.
- Schiller Park Senior Citizens Center, 2057 Genesee St.
In addition to the clothing drive, Mayor Brown recognized the below individuals at his Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration and Recognition Ceremony for their contributions to the Buffalo community through service.
Transformative Leadership Award
RUTH BRYANT
Community Leader; Board Member of Community Foundation; Past President of Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative
Commitment to Service Award
KELLY WHITFIELD
Healing Hub of NY - Survivor, Advocate, Founder
Humanitarian Award
LEONA HARPER
Assistant Vice President, Business Banking M&T Bank
MARNETTA MALCOLM
Founder, Malcolm Media
Community Impact Award
WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN
Racial Relationship Building Award
CARLANDA MEADORS REV. TIM NEWKIRK
Most Valuable Parents (MVP)
Additionally, Mayor Brown announced that, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr, the top of Buffalo City Hall will be lit in ‘Gold’ on Monday, January 16th. Reminder: Buffalo City Hall is closed on Monday, January 16th in observance of the MLK holiday.