BUFFALO, N.Y.—M&T Bank is launching its 30th annual “Gift of Warmth” to collect new mittens, gloves, scarves and hats for needy Western New Yorkers. Donations can be made at area M&T branches until Dec. 31.

 

Children and families served by The Salvation Army of Buffalo will benefit from this winter-clothing drive, which each year collects approximately 3,500 items of winter outerwear.

 

“The crisp days of fall remind us that the harsh Buffalo winter is coming,” said Jim Jarosz, M&T Bank Group Vice President for Retail Banking in Western New York. “Through our longstanding relationship with The Salvation Army, we have been able to help more of our neighbors across Western New York stay warm and healthy.”

 

Donations may be dropped off at any of the 112 M&T branches throughout Western New York beginning on Nov. 30, 2015 and continuing through Dec. 31, 2015. Most branches are open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Individuals interested in making a donation should visit https://locator.mtb.com to find the nearest branch and its hours of operation.

 

In addition to M&T branches, collection bins will also be located at several senior and health care facilities throughout the month of December.

 

“The Salvation Army is blessed to have partnered with M&T Bank for the Gift of Warmth campaign for more than 30 years,” said Major Thomas Applin, Executive Director of The Salvation Army of Buffalo. “This strong alliance has intersected with many individuals, groups and businesses in the community, motivating them to help collect coats, gloves, scarves and other winter outerwear for the less fortunate. Thousands living in the area have been served creating warm hands and hearts because of this campaign. We are indebted to everyone involved, especially M&T Bank!” 

 

M&T Bank and the Salvation Army of Buffalo have worked together for more than 30 years to help those in need of winter clothing in Western New York. What started as an idea by one employee to help local families in 1985 has evolved into a robust partnership. Since 2012, Western New Yorkers have donated more than 15,000 items of winter accessories to support the program.

 

The Salvation Army has been supporting those in need without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. 

 

M&T Bank Corp. is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates banking offices in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Trust-related services are provided by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank.



Media Contacts:

Julia Shanahan

M&T Bank 

(716) 842-5385

jshanahan@mtb.com

 

AnnMarie Taft

The Salvation Army

(716) 888-6214

AnnMarie.Taft@USE.SalvationArmy.Org