Canisius Athletics Announces Annual Toy Drive

The Canisius athletic department announced today it will once again take part in The Buffalo News Neediest Fund in conjunction with the Western New York Holiday Partnership.

Fans attending Canisius men's and women's basketball games between Dec. 3-19 are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to make the holidays brighter for underprivileged children across Western New York. A schedule of Canisius basketball home games during that time period are listed below. All types of new gifts are needed, especially for kids ages 8-12. Suggested donations include items such as arts and crafts kits, athletic sporting goods, board games, iTunes gift cards, gift certificates, handheld electronic games, dolls, pro sports merchandise and Magna Tiles.

A collection bin for donations can be found in the main lobby of the Koessler Athletic Center. Fans who would like to drop off donations on non-game days can do so by stopping by the Koessler Athletic Center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Because of COVID-19 rules, anyone making a donation drop-off on non-game days is asked to enter the building through the main entrance of the Koessler Athletic Center, located at 1839 Main Street in Buffalo.

"Taking part in The Buffalo News Neediest Fund through our annual toy drive is one of our favorite efforts throughout the year," Canisius Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President Jordan Chatelle said. "Being able to support local kids in the Buffalo area is very important to the Canisius SAAC and all of our student-athletes. This is a great way to share some joy with others in our community during the holiday season."

Last year, the Canisius SAAC committee raised funds within the group and purchased toys to support The Buffalo News Neediest Fund. In 2020, The Buffalo News was able to deliver 8,529 toys to children in need during the holiday season.

Canisius Basketball Home Schedule
• Dec. 3: Men's Basketball vs. Fairfield – 7 p.m.
• Dec. 5: Men's Basketball vs. Monmouth – 1 p.m.
• Dec. 8: Women's Basketball vs. Youngstown State – 7 p.m.
• Dec. 19 – Women's Basketball vs. Saint Peter's – 1 p.m.

About The Buffalo News Neediest Fund:
The Buffalo News started the News Neediest Fund in 1981 in response to the great need we witnessed in our community. Since then, our region has grown in so many ways, but the tradition of News Neediest continues on. Thanks to the generosity of Western New Yorkers near and far, we're able to support families in need with holiday gifts and meals year after year.

About the WNY Holiday Partnership:
If your family or a family you know could use support this season from the 2021 News Neediest Fund, please call 1-888-696-211 for more information. The WNY Holiday Partnership coordinates the delivery of toys based on need. Meals purchased with News Neediest Funds are distributed through FeedMore WNY each year.

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