Upcoming event seeks to bring warmth to those in need
0
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A group of local organizations are coming together with the goal of bringing warmth to those in need in Western New York.
The One Goal Coalition is planning a series of four events to help community members in need, starting with a warm clothing giveaway event on Friday at the Johnnie B. Wiley Sports Pavilion.
"There's some people that are doing some great work and I have great relationships with those folks, and when I told them about what I wanted to do they jumped on board and really hit the ground running," said Douglas Hearon of the Amerigroup Partnership Plan for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The coalition is accepting donations of warm clothing including new or gently used coats, gloves, hats and socks until Wednesday. Dropoffs can be made at the Johnnie B. Wiley stadium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Those who wish to help can also arrange a drop-off or volunteer by calling Hearon at 716-388-5084.
In addition to the clothing, nine organizations will be on hand at the event with other resources for the underserved in the community, said Ellen Harris-Harvey, president of the Trinidad Neighborhood Association Block Club.
Johnnie B. Wiley Stadium is located at 1100 Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo. The One Goal Coalition's warm clothing event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday.
Hearon, Harris-Harvey and Latesha Wiley from the stadium all joined News 4 at 7 on Monday alongside Sweet Buffalo's Kimberly LaRussa to talk about the upcoming event. You can watch the full interview in the video player at the top of the page.
Justin McMullen is a Western New York native who joined the News 4 team in 2023. You can read more of his work here.