BUFFALO, N.Y. — Tops Friendly Markets, whose Jefferson Avenue location was the site of a mass shooting on Saturday that left 10 people dead and three others injured, is teaming with the National Compassion Fund to help the families of the victims and those directly affected.
Tops says $500,000 has been initially seeded to the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund.
"What happened was ruthless and heartbreaking,” said the president of Tops Friendly Markets, John Persons. “Those that lost their lives will forever be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Tops is committed to supporting those families affected and to help the community grieve and heal from this tragic event. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and we thank everyone for their incredible kindness.”
Online donations can be made to Fundraiser by National Compassion Fund, Buffalo Survivors Fund (gofundme.com) or if you wish to write a check or for funds electronic transfer information, head to the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund - National Compassion Fund.
The Resource Council of WNY is also working with FeedMore WNY to distribute donations from its E. Ferry Street location.
"We will be distributing food to the community, sponsored in part by Tops, and it's a tremendous opportunity for us to help the community at this time,” said Rev. Terry King, Resource Council of WNY CEO. “We're going to need volunteers. It's a tremendous huge effort to feed the hundreds and hundreds of people that depend on that store."
Food distribution sites for families in need:
- The Resource Council of WNY, 347 E. Ferry Street, until Friday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion, 1100 Jefferson Avenue, until Friday, May 27, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Non-perishable items and personal care products are being accepted at:
- FeedMore WNY's warehouse, 91 Holt Street, Buffalo
- Erie County Clerk’s Office, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo
- Erie County Auto Bureau, Rath Building, 170 Pearl Street, Buffalo
- Eire County Auto Bureau, Southgate Plaza, 1088 Union Road, West Seneca
- Erie County Auto Bureau, Sheridan Plaza, 2309 Eggert Road, Town of Tonawanda
- Erie County Auto Bureau, Urbandale Plaza, 2122 George Urban Boulevard, Cheektowaga
- Erie County Auto Bureau, Highland Plaza, 6853 Erie Road, Derby
Catholic Charities of Buffalo is also extending its food pantry hours:
- Rich Street Food Pantry, 930 Genesee Street in Buffalo, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays through May 27
- Lovejoy Food Pantry, 139 North Ogden Street, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays
- Fulton Street Brigid Food Pantry, 170 Fulton Street, from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays
In the wake of this tragedy, ConnectLife Blood & Organ Donor Network is reminding the public that they need blood year-round. In fact, the U.S. is facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.
In Western New York, ConnectLife supplies blood to local hospitals. They rely on donors every day to continue that supply.
"So often, it's when something dramatic like that happens that people think to donate blood. However, it's really the heroes that have volunteered blood weeks before those events that make sure there's that ready supply on the shelves in preparation for anything that comes up,” said Amanda Farrell, ConnectLife senior director of donor and hospital relations.
Appointments can be made on ConnectLife's website. Walk-ins are also welcome.