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KOLB ANNOUNCES START OF 'TOYS FOR TOTS' HOLIDAY DRIVE
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Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) today kicked off his annual "Toys for Tots" holiday drive in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
"Each year, Toys for Tots continues to provide a message of joy and giving to millions of needy children across the country and here in New York," said Kolb. "I am hopeful that this year we can collect even more toys than last year."
Kolb noted that now through Dec. 14, residents can drop off new, unwrapped toys at his district office at 607 West Washington St., Suite 2, Geneva. Residents may also drop off toys at any of the following locations:
Canandaigua Veterans Affairs Hospital
Voluntary Service Office, Building 7
400 Fort Hill Ave.
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Seneca County Chamber of Commerce
2020 Routes 5 & 20 West
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Arby's Roast Beef Restaurant
280 Hamilton St.
Geneva, NY 14456
Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce
113 South Main St.
Canandaigua, NY 14424
McMillan Realty
336 North Main St.
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Initiated in 1947 by USMC Reserve Maj. Bill Hendricks, Toys for Tots quickly became the nation's flagship Christmas endeavor. Since its inception, the Marines have distributed over 300 million toys to needy children.
For more information or to schedule a site collection before Dec. 15, please contact Kolb's district office at (315) 781-2030.
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KOLB TOURS GENEVA BUSINESSES |
Assemblyman Brian Kolb's (R,C-Canandaigua) recent tour of downtown Geneva businesses included a visit with Cara-Leigh Battaglia, executive director of the Geneva Business Improvement District Management Association, Inc. Kolb and Battaglia discussed issues of importance in revitalizing and growing downtown Geneva and the Finger Lakes and Central New York regions.
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VOLUNTEERING ENSURES PLEASANT HOLIDAYS FOR ALL |
The Christmas holiday season is upon us, and it's time to prepare for the coming festivities, spend time with family and friends and celebrate another year gone by. It is also a time to think of others less fortunate. While we should be charitable throughout the year, this is a time when donations and volunteers are of immediate and special need.
There are plenty of opportunities for volunteers to help needy children during the holidays. No child should go without the thrill of opening a present or two from Santa. Officials with programs such as the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign always need help running the drive and people to donate new, unwrapped toys. What better way is there to use your time than with our country's future? The sense of accomplishment and joy you will gain are your rewards. What could possibly be more rewarding than seeing smiling, laughing children enjoying the happiness they deserve and need?
The Canandaigua Veterans Association Medical Center has provided inpatient and outpatient medical services to veterans living in upstate New York for over 60 years. The center is home to many veterans who always are in need of donations, and volunteers are needed for greeting visitors, helping employees and accompanying residents. Veterans who are often alone or don't have families will especially appreciate the attention. There are jobs for everyone who wants to help. You'll probably find this experience so rewarding that you'll volunteer to help all year long.
The American Red Cross does amazing charity work year-round. During the holiday season, local chapters often hold Christmas dinners featuring visits from Santa. Also, many locations need help cooking meals that are served to the needy. Volunteers cook food and create traditional holiday meals that are delivered to Meals on Wheels program recipients, many of whom are housebound or lonely. The Meals on Wheels program always needs volunteers to help deliver the food to recipients. And, as always, the Red Cross is in need of blood donations from all blood types.
Local nursing homes are great places to donate your time. There are many senior citizens who spend the holidays alone. Long-term care facilities often need help entertaining the residents and taking care of the facilities. You can make daily or weekly visits, or just spend a couple of hours there. Staff and residents will greatly appreciate the time you spend there.
I guarantee that anyone looking for volunteer work will find it. There are so many programs designed to help the lonely and less fortunate. Why not do your part to make sure everyone is able to look back and enjoy the memories of this and all holiday seasons?
To request more information about holiday programs and volunteer services, contact your local Red Cross, call the medical center at (585) 393-7761, contact local nursing homes, or call my office at (315) 781-2030.
This may be a hectic, busy time of year, but I feel that everybody should be able to take at least a little time out of their schedules to ensure a good time for all. The holidays usually bring out the best in everyone, so try to donate what you can and volunteer for the sake of others.
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KOLB TOURS WATERLOO WATER TREATMENT PLANT |
Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua), right, takes time out from his tour of Waterloo's water treatment plant with Waterloo Mayor Lee Patchen, left, and Jim Bromka, the facility's certified operator and environmental lab director, to sample the water supplied to area residents from the plant.
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