Small Gestures, Big Impact

Dear Friends, 

So many factors contribute to what drives our guests to HLS for help – generational poverty, trauma, systemic inequity, racism, unemployment, disability, mental health, substance abuse, homelessness…the list could go on. Life situations unfortunately – and often unjustly – are terribly difficult for so many. Jeannie, for example, is a young woman who recently started showing up at HLS.

Her life choices and behaviors have been driven by desperation and have led her into danger. She was attacked last month in the alleyway adjacent to our garage. This was the context of our first encounter, in which we offered her medical assistance from our community health nurse. She refused and went on her way.

The next time I saw her was about 2 weeks after that event, when she showed up after hours looking for something she left at HLS. We returned it to her, and as she was leaving, I said, “Is your name Jenny?” As if in trouble, and with hesitation, she said, “Jeannie.” I apologized for mistaking her name and said I had been hoping she was OK after what happened. Unexpectedly, she turned, smiled with a great big smile, hugged me, and then left without saying anything further. I was so touched by that gesture, which reminded me that there is another factor that drives people to HLS: love, and the welcoming hospitality that is its fruit.

We do all we can to help people overcome challenging circumstances, but at the most fundamental level, we provide a space where people can love and be loved. It is the magnet that draws our hearts together, flows through our work, and offers the best antidote to our many social ills.

Thank you for the love that flows through you in your support and generosity to Heart, Love & Soul!       

On Friday, September 20th, Heart, Love & Soul had the honor of hosting a special event at Daybreak, where Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York presented $4.27 million in Blue Fund grants to 23 Western New York nonprofits.  

Among the recipients, we are deeply grateful to have received a generous $250,000 grant which will support the renovation of our front entrance and pantry. The much-needed improvements will enable us to better meet the growing needs of our community by creating a more efficient, welcoming, and more dignified environment for all our guests. We anticipate construction beginning in spring 2025!  

We extend our thanks to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for their incredible generosity and ongoing support of our mission to nourish people in need. 

HLS 2024 Recognition Dinner Breaks Records!

Heart, Love & Soul's 2024 Annual Recognition Dinner was our most successful event to date! Held at Niagara University’s Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons, the evening was a celebration of dedicated service to the community, bringing together longtime supporters, new friends, and local residents.  

WIVB Daytime Buffalo’s Chelsea Lovell and Niagara Falls City School District Superintendent Mark Laurrie as co-MC’d the event, and  Russ Salvatore himself made a special appearance auctioning off prize packages and stays at his hotel. 

Thanks to the tireless efforts of our staff and volunteers, this year's dinner surpassed all of our previous fundraising achievements.  Such success is a true testament to the incredible generosity of our community, donors, and supporters!  

Fund-a-Need Campaign Funds Shared in memory of Angelo Sarkees 

As part of our Annual Recognition Dinner, Heart, Love & Soul launched a special Fund-a-Need campaign in honor of Angelo “Andy” Sarkees, a local philanthropist who, by means of his nonprofit Deposits 4 Food, donated $110,000 to food pantries through can and metal collections. Following the dinner, we extended the campaign to gather additional donations to benefit the four charities he passionately supported: Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Wilson Community Food Pantry, Care-n-Share Pantry in Ransomville, and Heart, Love & Soul. 

Last week, we proudly delivered checks for $1,277.33 to each of these organizations, made possible by the generosity of our supporters. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Fund-a-Need drive. Your kindness has helped us honor Andy’s incredible legacy while ensuring ongoing support for those in need within our community. 

We have more collaborations planned- please stay tuned! 

The Odd Couple Benefits Heart, Love & Soul 

Our longtime friend and HLS supporter Frank Scelsa is once again using his talents to make a difference in the lives of others, directing the upcoming production of The Odd Couple for charity. This play will benefit Heart, Love & Soul, along with the Lutheran Church of the Messiah, HART Program, and Care-N-Share food pantry. The cast includes some faces you’ll know, with Anne Belin, Lori Caso, and Samuel Granieri, all taking part.  

Performances are set for October 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, and 27th at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lewiston, NY. Tickets are $40 for general seating, with group tables also available.  The events are being hosted by the Rotary Club of Lewiston and Niagara-On-The-Lake.

Thanks again, Frank! 

LEARN MORE AND RESERVE TICKETS HERE

Toy Drive: Help Brighten a Child’s Holiday! 

As the holiday season approaches, Heart, Love & Soul is excited to announce our annual Toy Drive! We are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children from infancy to age 12. Your generous donations will help bring smiles to the faces of children in need in our community.  

Please drop off your contributions by November 16th. Every gift makes a difference, and together we can spread joy this holiday season!

For more information, please contact Kristina at (716) 282-5687 Ext. 107. 

A Generous Donation from Niagara Pride

We are incredibly grateful to Ronald Zenon Piaseczny and Niagara Pride for their participation in the Bombas Socks Donation Program!

Thanks to their generosity, 10,000 pairs of socks (over 1,000 pounds!) were distributed to five amazing organizations in WNY, including Heart, Love & Soul.

Shout out to everyone's friend, Billy, for picking them up and delivering them for us! 

Heart, Love & Soul’s Staff Takes on the Maid of the Mist  

As the summer season began to shift into fall, Heart, Love & Soul celebrated Staff Appreciation Day with an unforgettable trip on the Maid of the Mist!  After a exciting ride, we gathered for lunch at Power City Eatery, where we enjoyed great food and even better company.

It was a wonderful day to reflect and celebrate the dedication of our incredible staff! Thanks, Maid of the Mist for making it happen!

* HLS does not have the capacity to accept used clothing. We can only accept a limited amount of new clothing.

"Heart, Love & Soul is my safe haven. I'm working with their case managers to get back on my feet" 

– William, HLS GUEST

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