Buffalo Bills players joined 50 children from various Salvation Army locations at the downtown Salvation Army community office to decorate picture frames, make red, white and blue fleece scarves, and share their favorite holiday moments on November 29th. The gathering was held to remind everyone about the Bills and M&T Bank Gift of Warmth program where people are in need of new warm clothing this holiday season.
The Bills players that attended the event and helped the kids were quarterback 
The Bills Alumni Association also supported the program by donating “Pillow Pets” for each of the children. Bills Alumni in attendance were former defensive back Jeff Nixon, tight end Mark Brammer and guard Adam Lingner.
Aaron Williams especially enjoyed being a part of an event for kids.
“I’m a total kid at heart, and I love being in this setting where I can just let loose,” said Williams. “Everyone in Buffalo that I’ve met so far are so down to earth, and the people at Salvation Army and M&T Bank are no different. It’s great to come to an event that’s about the kids and for the kids. I’m just very grateful that I got to be a part of it.”
Children took their picture with the Bills players and alumni, and were able to receive the complimentary printed photos to use for their picture frames. After the picture frames and scarves were made, the kids had a a pizza party.
Tyler Thigpen noticed how truly happy the children were.
“To see the smiles on the kids faces means everything,” said Thigpen. “In the position we’re in I love to give back, but during the holiday season it just means so much more. The picture frames were really fun to decorate, and seeing all the kids run around with their scarves was priceless. I’m just really thankful that this community is so supportive.”
The Gift of Warmth program encourages fans to please go to any M&T Bank branch in the Buffalo region, and drop off new warm clothing (especially gloves) any time through December 30th, 2011.
Also, the Salvation Army has begun “Online Red Kettles” for anyone that would like to donate online to their local Salvation Army, they can go to www.onlineredkettle.org/teambuffalo.
M&T Bank is the official banking partner of the Bills and is celebrating their 26th Anniversary as a proud sponsor of the Gift of Warmth program.
Since 1884, the Salvation Army has been a vital link within Western New York’s human services network. They provide individuals, regardless of age, gender, education, ethnicity or religion with food, clothing and shelter, as well as social and spiritual support. The mission of The Salvation Army – Buffalo Area Services is to offer hope for a better life by meeting basic human needs.
