By Rebecca Kenyon
Car trunks were packed like Santa’s sleigh, but instead of a sack filled with toys, there were bags stuffed with winter clothes.
A small group of Buffalo State College students delivered the first bundle of warmth to the Friends of Night People at 10 a.m. on Nov. 11. The clothes were donated in a winter clothing drive sponsored by BSC’s Social Work Honor Society and Student Social Work Program.
Darren Strickland, executive director of FONP, met the students at the door and asked them to come into the shelter.
“On behalf of everyone, thank you for your generosity in organizing this,” Strickland said. “It’s truly appreciated.”
Strickland said FONP provides the following services to the homeless:
- medical clinic
- eye doctor
- foot doctor
- crisis intervention
- job assistance
“We have about 240 volunteers that come in and help us provide all these services. All of the services are free of charge,” Strickland said. There is no sliding scale, no residency requirements, nothing like that — it’s basically if you need help, come here and our job is to help you. If we can’t help you, we will get you into a program that can help you.”
Strickland said the shelter sees nearly 200 people each day. He added that three quarters of the population the shelter serves reside within a one mile radius.
“We have identified the population we are currently serving as the working poor, veterans and a lot of senior citizens,” Strickland said.
John Malinowski, a BSC senior majoring in theater, helped sort through bags of clothes in the clothing closet.
“I think this is a good idea, just coming and helping,” Malinowski said.
Julie Rockmaker, treasurer of the Social Work Honor Society said she enjoys giving back to the community and helping the less fortunate.
“Not only is it rewarding but it’s good to see the different organizations in the Buffalo area that I had no idea existed,” Rockmaker said.
Strickland said FONP is open 365 days a year during the following hours:
- 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Friday
- 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
BSC social work students will continue to collect winter clothes for FONP through Dec. 24. Donations can be brought to Classroom Building, Room C 115.
For more information contact Maxick-Jason at maxijl99@mail.buffalostate.edu.
Rebecca Kenyon can be contacted at usiarm65@mail.buffalostate.edu
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