P. O. Box 155, Grand Island, New York 14072
Board of Directors
President David Conboy
Vice President Larry Slovick
Secretary Valerie Gaydosh
Treasurer Sally Goris
BOARD of DIRECTORS: Beth Boron, Samantha Buccini, Annie Carlson, Linda Clark, Diane Garey, David Goris, Arlene Larry, Jonathan Lattanzio, Patricia D. Shaw, Sue Nicol, L. Gene Runions
DIRECTOR EMERITUS: Henry Kammerer & Dr. Thomas Sheehan
ADVISORY BOARD: Angelo Palamuso
For temporary financial help or assistance at our food pantry,
Grand Island residents please call 775-7998.
Official Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island, NY Inc. Web Site
Neighbors Foundation Receives Donation - August 2023
Pictured are: Marty Rastelli presenting the donation to Beth Boron - Neighbors Foundation Director and Lead Volunteer Coordinator for the event, Rick Schmitz, David Conboy - Neighbors Foundation President, and Sally Goris - Neighbors Foundation Treasurer.
From David Conboy - President, Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island.The Grand Island Neighbors Foundation was the grateful recipient of $11,000 from the Pinnacle Island Golf Tournament presented by Pinnacle Travel Staffing that was held at Beaver Island Golf Course on June 16, 2023. This year's tournament was the largest yet with 44 Teams and 176 Golfers. The Neighbors Foundation very much appreciates all the sponsors for this event, including Howard Hanna - The Laurendi Selling Team / Vienna Haak; Maguire Group Family of Dealerships; Say Cheese Pizza Co, Comic Book Cafe; Island Ship Center; as well as the party Sponsors, Tee Sponsors and all of the golfers that supported the event. Of course, special thanks to Marty Rastelli, owner of Pinnacle Travel Staffing who started the tournament, and Rick Schmitz from Pinnacle who organized the event.
The Neighbors Foundation, an all-volunteer organization, will use the donated funds to provide confidential food assistance to those in need on Grand Island. To learn more about the Neighbors Foundation, donate, or request assistance, please contact us at (716) 775-7998 or at www.GINeighbors.org. Neighbors Helping Neighbors! Or use the QR Code below.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors!
Neighbors Foundation Receives Donation - July 2023
From left: Brian McElroy GBTC Treasurer, Larry Slovick Grand Island Neighbors Foundation Vice President, Barbara Sauer GBTC Secretary, and Roger King GBTC President.
The Grand Island Neighbors Foundation was the recipient of $5,000 from the Greater Buffalo Track Club (GBTC), resulting from the Grand Island Half Marathon held at Beaver Island State Park on May, 6 2023. The Neighbors Foundation is very grateful to the Greater Buffalo Track Club and all the sponsors/participants in the event who helped make this possible, particularly Roger King, the President of the GBTC. The Neighbors Foundation, an all organization, will use the donated funds to provide confidential food assistance to those in need on Grand Island.To learn more about the Neighbors Foundation, donate, or request assistance, please contact us at (716) 775-7998 or at www.GINeighbors.org. Or use the QR Code below.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors!
David Conboy - President, Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island
Letter Carriers Food Collection to Benefit Neighbors Foundation - May 2023
The National Assoc. of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its 31st annual national food drive on Saturday, May 13th on Grand Island. To donate leave a sturdy bag of unexpired non-perishable foods next to your mailbox. See FLYER.Neighbors Foundation Spring Food Drive - April 2023
Neighbors Foundation Spring Food Drive runs through the end of May. Please visit the following businesses and organizations to drop off nonperishable and unexpired food to share with our Neighbors in need: Grand Island Memorial Library, Certified AutoBrokers, TrendSetters Hair Design, Century 21 Winklhofer, St. Stephens RC Church, Thompson Farms, Kelly's Country Store, Dollar General, Notaro Chiropractic-Grand Island Chiropractic PT and MOG at Trilogy, Maguire Family of Dealerships, WellNow Urgent Care, Hunt Real Estate, DeSignet Jewelry.There are more bins available for other businesses and organizations who would like to participate in this effort to give back to our community - Be the next one to be part of our Team! Please contact the Neighbors Foundation at 716-775-7998, or me directly at 716-773-7476, and we will bring a bin to your location and publicize your participation through social media. To learn more about the Neighbors Foundation, make a financial donation, or request food assistance, please contact us at the number above, or visit us at our website at www. GINeighbors.org.
Share Your Happiness Fund Drive 2022 - Janaury 2023
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island thanks the hundreds of individuals and organizations who contributed to our successful 2022 Holiday Distribution. 76 of your neighbor families were aided with gift cards and food, benefiting 137 adults and 140 children. 63 of our seniors were also assisted in 2 senior apartment complexes. The Foundation is a small, all-volunteer organization; we don't do this 'ourselves', we depend on the community to recognize the need around us, and respond generously. Even in pleasant, suburban Grand Island, there are needs, and you have helped. Thanks to all of you! Our thanks to the following people and organizations who donated to our 'Share Your Happiness' fund drive, or donated food, toiletries and gift cards for our 2022 Holiday Season distribution. See list HERE.Grand Island Teachers Association Donation to Neighbors Foundation - December 2022
Pictured from Left to Right: Kathy Chadwick, GITA VP; Michael Grosso, GITA President; David Conboy, Neighbors Foundation President; Sally Goris, Neighbors Foundation Treasurer; Valerie Gaydosh, Neighbors Foundation Secretary
The Grand Island Teachers Association presented a check for $1,940 to the Neighbors Foundation this week! The check includes donations from the members of the Grand Island Teachers Association who recognize that the need is great over the Holidays and they wanted to Share Their Happiness with their fellow Islanders. The Neighbors Foundation is very grateful for the recurring generous donations from the Grand Island Teachers Association. It is heartwarming to know that we can rely on our fellow Islanders for support, and the Neighbors Foundation will put the donation to good use providing confidential food assistance to our friends on Grand Island. Thanks Mike, Kathy and the entire GITA!Neighbors Foundation Donation from Maguire Dealership - December 2022
From left: Eddie Acosta - Hyundai General Manager; Brandon Wickham - Toyota General Manager; David Conboy, Grand Island Neighbors Foundation President; Ronnie Mansour - Chevy General Manager.
The Neighbors Foundation gratefully accepted a very generous donation from the Maguire Family of Dealerships on Grand Island! Recognizing that the need is great year round, but especially near the Holiday season, the Maguire Family presented a check for $1000 to the Neighbors Foundation. The Neighbors Foundation will use the donation to provide confidential food assistance to our Island Neighbors in need, and help make their Holiday Season brighter. We thank the Maguire Family of Dealership for their very generous donation to help the local community here on Grand Island!Hunt Real Estate Neighbors Foundation Food Drive - November 2022
Hunt Real Estate is having their 3rd annual Neighbors Foundation Food Drive on Saturday, November 12th at their office 2098 Grand Island Blvd. from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. If you want to make a donation & enter to win the Buffalo Bills Wine Basket but cannot make it to the food drive, call 716-514-3750 for payment options and be entered for the awesome basket. See Food List for the top 10 food requests. Thank you for your support.Neighbors Foundation Share Your Happiness Campaign - December 2021
DONOR LISTThe Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island thanks the hundreds of individuals and organizations who contributed to our successful 2021 Holiday Distribution. 135 of your neighbor families were helped with food baskets and, where appropriate, gift cards for their children. The Foundation is a small, all-volunteer organization; we don't do this 'ourselves', we depend on the community to recognize the need around us, and respond generously. Even in pleasant, suburban Grand Island, there are needs, and you have helped. Thanks to all of you!
Neighbors Foundation Share Your Happiness Campaign - December 2021
Dear Friends and generous supporters of the Neighbors Foundation,Again in 2021, we look to our friends and generous supporters of the Neighbors Foundation in our planning for the Annual Holiday Distribution to the less fortunate family members on Grand Island. For over 40 years, we have provided food pantry gift baskets and gift donations to our families in need, all made possible from donations from various groups and organizations. Our primary means of donations has been and continues to be financial contributions; we do also accept gift card donations (we can only accept Tops or Target cards) should you desire to purchase and donate gift cards to the campaign. Those cards could be mailed to P.O. Box 155, Grand Island NY 14072.
Thank you for your consideration in participating in our Annual Holiday Distribution Campaign. Last year we provided food pantry baskets for 60 families and we provided gift cards for parents to use on their 110 children. Your donation to us helps to make a difference in the lives of these families and these children during this holiday season. With an all-volunteer staff, be assured that all of your donation is used to help local Island families in need. And for that, we thank you again.
For your convenience, you can simply click HERE to make a monetary donation with a major credit card. Checks can also be mailed to the Neighbors Foundation at P.O. Box 155, Grand Island, NY, 14072.
Neighbors Foundation List of 2020 Donors - January 2021
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island thanks the hundreds of individuals and organizations who contributed to our successful 2020 Holiday Distribution. Because of pandemic restrictions, this year's distribution was primarily Tops gift cards to allow the 51 families helped to safely purchase their own food. Selected holiday food and other gifts were included and where appropriate, Target gift cards for their children. The Foundation is a small, all-volunteer organization; we don't do this 'ourselves', we depend on the community to recognize the need around us, and to respond generously. Even in pleasant, suburban Grand Island, there are needs, and you have helped. Thanks to all of you! Donor List.Gratitude Message to Our Donors in 2020 - November 2020
**Thank you, Thank you, Thank you**COVID-19 and the pandemic restrictions in 2020 has not enabled the Neighbors Foundation to receive much of our "regular" food donations that our organization has come to rely upon (i.e. The Postal Workers Food Drive, Little League team collections, Boy Scouts, etc.) Many donors, some new and some longtime supporters, stepped up and showed their support with very generous donations mailed directly to our PO Box 155, donations made using PayPal via our website, www.GINeighbors.org, and numerous food donations dropped off at many local churches and via many mini food drives throughout the community. These generous monetary and food donations enable us to continue to support our Grand Island neighbors who find themselves in need. Each donation helps us to provide help to our neighbors and makes a big difference. The entire board of directors and our many volunteers express our sincere gratitude and thanks to all of you!
Pancake Breakfast Supporting Neighbors Foundation of GI - March 2020
CANCELLED - Pancake Breakfast Supporting Neighbors Foundation of GI. Ellden's at River Oaks is hosting a pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 22nd from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. All proceeds go to the Neighbors Foundation. A suggested donation of $5 per person, more if you can.To the Grand People of Grand Island - January 2020
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island was happy to have brightened somewhat the Holiday Season for 53 families on the Island. However, we did NOT do it ourselves! Many of you from Grand Island helped with financial, food, and gift contributions, so that the Foundation could provide food baskets, turkeys, hams, gifts for children involved, and other help for those families.Many of you helped: big food collection by students from all schools, hard work by School System Maintenance Dept. bringing it to K of C Hall, then DECA and Interact sorting that food for us. Many local organizations: the K of C with use of their Hall for distribution, others made donations to our 'Share Your Happiness' fund drive or held events that raised money, collected food or gift cards.
To acknowledge the help we have received, the Neighbors Foundation has placed a listing of all our donors and workers in the Neighbors Foundation segment of the IsledeGrande web site. The Foundation, with donations and work of so many in those lists, was able to help your Island neighbors in temporary financial distress. Thanks to all the donors and helpers listed in that summary - you made the 2019 Holiday Season a bit happier for your Island neighbors.
See list here.
David Conboy, President, Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island
Neighbor Foundation Distribution Day - December 2019
Students distributing the donated food.
Students and advisors. - Click photos for larger view.
The Neighbors Foundation, with help from Grand Island middle and high school students, distributed the donations for 53 Grand Island families on Thursday, December 12th. For over 40 years, The Neighbors Foundation has helped out those in need around the holidays, with gift cards hams, turkeys and non-perishable food items. 
Thanks to GIHS & Middle school advisors: Cheryl Chamberlain, Carly Antonelli, Crystal Barnes, & Melissa Kosmoski.
Thanks also to student volunteers: High School Students from DECA, Interact and Student Council: Matt Aronica, Gabby Bergstrom, Abby Blair, Kaylee Butcher, Erin Cool, Megan Lavis, Rose Meaney, Sebby Melendez, Makayla Montes, Caralyn Reynolds, Emily Reynolds, Hannah Schiffmacher, Ava Todaro, Mikayla Robinson, Sean Christian Rustowicz & Ben Spiesz. Middle School Interact members: Luke Gworek, Jacob Hazel, Oliver Schmidt & Jackson Schmidt.
For more information go to www.gineighbors.org. Donations are accepted at St. Stephens Church year round.
Neighbor Foundation Donation Drop Off - November 2019
Adrian's Custard & Beef, 2352 Grand Island Blvd., has announced they are teaming up with the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation this year for the Share Your Happiness campaign. Adrian's will be a drop off point for any items you would like to donate. All donations will be accepted inside, Thursday through Monday, 11 am - 9 pm.The mission of the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation is to provide emergency assistance, primarily food for Grand Island residents who find themselves in temporary need. For the Holiday Drive they are seeking nonperishable food, personal hygiene items and Tops and Target gift cards. You can also donate online at the website.
You can also drop donations off to deSignet Jewelry, 1869 Whitehaven Road, Monday - Saturday.
Thank You Community - January 2019
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island is very happy to have received continuing support, beyond that originally reported, from the community thru Internet (PayPal) donations and good response at the Pancake Breakfast at Elldens (River Oaks). We proudly list these Additional Donors on the Neighbors Foundation section of the inner pages of IsledeGrande. our thanks to the entire community for your support, as we continue to help those facing temporary economic difficulties.
Henry Kammerer - Fund Raising Chair & Dave Conboy - President, Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island
To the Grand People of Grand Island - January 2019
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island was happy to have brightened somewhat the Holiday Season for 50 families on the Island. However, we did NOT do it ourselves! Many of you from Grand Island helped with financial, food, and gift contributions, so that the Foundation could provide food baskets, turkeys, hams, gifts for children involved, and other help for those families.
Many of you helped: big food collection by students from all schools, hard work by School System Maintenance Dept. bringing it to K of C Hall, then DECA and Interact sorting that food for us. Many local organizations: the K of C with use of their Hall for distribution, River Oaks Golf Club (Elldens), others made donations to our "Share Your Happiness" fund drive or held events that raised money, collected food.
To acknowledge the help we have received, the Neighbors Foundation has placed a listing of all our donors and workers in the Neighbors Foundation segment of the IsledeGrande.com web site. The Foundation, with donations and work of so many in those lists, was able to help your Island neighbors in temporary financial distress. Thanks to all the donors and helpers listed in that summary - you made the 2018 Holiday Season a bit happier for your Island neighbors.
David Conboy, President, Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island
Neighbors Foundation List of Donors 2018
Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Neighbors Foundation - December 2018
The River Oaks Golf Club and Ellden's has generously donated the entire cost of a PANCAKE BREAKFAST event on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., to support the Neighbors Foundation. Your donation of $5 (or more) gives each: pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee, with all proceeds going to help the Neighbors Foundation provide Holiday Baskets of food, turkey and gift cards for any children involved, to over 50 Island families that are in temporary need this Holiday season.Share Your Happiness Distribution Day - December 2018
At left: President David Conboy and Director Emeritus Henry Kammerer with volunteers. Click photo for larger view.
Pick-up full of turkeys and hams.
This is just the soup collection.
Distribution in action.
After a very successful "Share Your Happiness" campaign, The Neighbors Foundation, with help from Grand Island middle and high school students, distributed the donations for 50 Grand Island families on Thursday, December 13th. For over 40 years, The Neighbors Foundation has helped out those in need around the holidays, with gift cards hams, turkeys and non-perishable food items. New President David Conboy spoke of his gratitude for all the donations and help from the community and schools and the foundation is always looking for new members to bring new energy and ideas to the group. For more information go to www.gineighbors.org. Donations are accepted at St. Stephens Church and DeSignet Jewelry, 1871 Whitehaven, year round.
Neighbors Foundation Can Use Your Help - November 2018
Neighbors Foundation Food List- DeSignet Jewelry, 1869 Whitehaven Road, will have a donation drop off box through mid December.
The Neighbors Foundation can be helped by the following:
Help wrap up shoe boxes of toiletries for teen recipients of the holiday food boxes on Saturday, December 8th at 10:00 a.m. in the St Stephen's Church basement.
If you have children in the GI schools, they will all be collecting needed items around Thanksgiving. Each school has a different collection system, so watch the newsletters for specifics.
Financial donations are much appreciated, especially at this time when the holiday boxes are put together and meat, grocery gift cards, and toiletries need to be purchased. (See Share Your Happiness Campaign article below.) At the last meeting they emphasized what they need the most is volunteers. Many key volunteers are retiring and the group needs more members to keep their wonderful services running. The next meeting is on Monday, December 3rd at the Nike Base. Contact Lynn Henschel at hensch98@roadrunner.com with any inquires about the group or how to help.
Share Your Happiness Campaign - November 2018
Neighbors Foundation Food List- DeSignet Jewelry, 1869 Whitehaven Road, will have a donation drop off box through mid December.
It is that time of the year when we look to our friends and generous supporters of the Neighbors Foundation in our planning for the Annual Holiday Distribution to the less fortunate family members on Grand Island. For over 40 years, we have provided food gift baskets and gift card donations to families in temporary need, all made possible from donations from individuals, groups and organizations. Could you 'Share Your Happiness' by making a donation to the Foundation at P. O. Box 155 (or thru Paypal at www.gineighbors.org)? Financial contributions will help 'fill out' the food contributions that the Grand Island schools are collecting for us. The Neighbors Foundation will distribute gift cards to our families of infants - 13 year old children, so those parents may use gift cards to purchase gifts for them. As such, we would appreciate and graciously accept (for our Holiday Distribution) gift cards for either TARGET or TOPS.
We hope generous supporters will consider donating gift cards, or providing financial donations that can be used to provide the cards we will distribute to our families in need. We will continue to provide toiletries gifts for teens, so gifts of toiletries will be useful to fill boxes for those teens. Thank you for your consideration of participating in our fund raising and gift card campaign. Last year we provided food baskets, toiletries and gift cards for over 60 families with close to 150 children. Your donation to the Neighbors Foundation helps to make a difference in the lives of these families and their children during this holiday season.
Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Neighbors Foundation - December 2017
The River Oaks Golf Club and Ellden's has generously donated the entire cost of a PANCAKE BREAKFAST event on Sunday, January 7th from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., to support the Neighbors Foundation. Your donation of $5 (or more) gives each: pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee, with all proceeds going to help the Neighbors Foundation provide Holiday Baskets of food, turkey and gift cards for any children involved, to 54 Island families that are in temporary need this Holiday season. Then - in public places or home, HELP THE BILLS TROUNCE JAX!Neighbors Foundation Thanks Donors - December 2017
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island would like to thank the hundreds of individuals and organizations who contributed to our successful 2017 Holiday Distribution. Over 52 of your neighbors were helped with food baskets and, where appropriate, gift cards for their children. The Foundation is a small, all-volunteer organization; we don’t do this ‘ourselves’, we depend on the community to recognize the need around all of us, and to respond so generously. Even in pleasant, suburban Grand Island, there are needs, and you have helped. Thanks to all of you! See Donor List.Share Your Happiness Campaign - November 2017
It is that time of the year when we look to our friends and generous supporters of the Neighbors Foundation in our planning for the Annual Holiday Distribution to the less fortunate family members on Grand Island. For over 40 years, we have provided food gift baskets and gift card donations to families in temporary need, all made possible from donations from individuals, groups and organizations. Could you 'Share Your Happiness' by making a donation to the Foundation at P. O. Box 155 (or thru Paypal at www.gineighbors.org)? Financial contributions will help 'fill out' the food contributions that the Grand Island schools are collecting for us. The Neighbors Foundation will distribute gift cards to our families of infants - 13 year old children, so those parents may use gift cards to purchase gifts for them. As such, we would appreciate and graciously accept (for our Holiday Distribution) gift cards for either TARGET or TOPS.We hope generous supporters will consider donating gift cards, or providing financial donations that can be used to provide the cards we will distribute to our families in need. We will continue to provide toiletries gifts for teens, so gifts of toiletries will be useful to fill boxes for those teens. Thank you for your consideration of participating in our fund raising and gift card campaign. Last year we provided food baskets, toiletries and gift cards for over 60 families with close to 150 children. Your donation to the Neighbors Foundation helps to make a difference in the lives of these families and their children during this holiday season.
To the Grand People of Grand Island - December 2016
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island was happy to have brightened somewhat the Holiday Season for 57 families on the Island. However, we did NOT do it ourselves! So many from Grand Island, others near or far, helped with financial, food, and gift contributions. Thus the Foundation provided food baskets, turkeys, hams, gifts for children involved, and other help for those families. So many helped: food by students from all schools, then from DECA and Interact sorting that food for us. Many local organizations: the K of C with use of their Hall for distribution, River Oaks Golf Club (Eldens), others, made donations to our 'Share Your Happiness' fund drive or held events that raised money or collected additional food.To acknowledge in some small way the help we have received, the Neighbors Foundation has placed a listing of all our donors and workers in the Neighbors Foundation segment of the organization groups on Isle de Grande. The Foundation, with the donations and work of so many in those lists, was able to help many of your Island neighbors in temporary financial distress. Thanks to all the donors and helpers listed in that summary - you made the 2016 Holiday Season a bit happier for your Island neighbors. See list.
Henry G Kammerer
President, Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island
Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Neighbors Foundation - November 2016
The River Oaks Golf Club and Elden's has generously donated the entire cost of a pancake breakfast event on Sunday, December 11th from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., to support the Neighbors Foundation. Your donation of $5 (or more) gives each: pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee, with all proceeds going to help the Neighbors Foundation provide Holiday Baskets of food, turkey and gift cards for any children involved, to approximately 60 Island families that are in temporary need this Holiday season. Please join us in the beautiful River Oaks Club House for a delicious, easy, Sunday breakfast during this hectic season, while you benefit the work the Neighbors Foundation does to make Grand Island a grand place for all its families.Henry Kammerer
President,
Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island
Share Your Happiness Campaign - October 2016
It is that time of the year when we look to our friends and generous supporters of the Neighbors Foundation in our planning for the Annual Holiday Distribution to the less fortunate family members on Grand Island. For over 40 years, we have provided food gift baskets and gift card donations to families in temporary need, all made possible from donations from individuals, groups and organizations. Could you 'Share Your Happiness' by making a donation to the Foundation at P. O. Box 155 (or thru Paypal at www.gineighbors.org)? Financial contributions will help 'fill out' the food contributions that the Grand Island schools are collecting for us. The Neighbors Foundation will distribute gift cards to our families of infants – 13 year old children, so those parents may use gift cards to purchase gifts for them. As such, we would appreciate and graciously accept (for our Holiday Distribution) gift cards for either TARGET or TOPS.We hope generous supporters will consider donating gift cards, or providing financial donations that can be used to provide the cards we will distribute to our families in need. We will continue to provide toiletries gifts for teens, so gifts of toiletries will be useful to fill boxes for those teens. Thank you for your consideration of participating in our fund raising and gift card campaign. Last year we provided food baskets, toiletries and gift cards for over 60 families with close to 150 children. Your donation to the Neighbors Foundation helps to make a difference in the lives of these families and their children during this holiday season.
Middle School Donates to Neighbors Foundation - December 2015
President Henry Kammerer with VCMS students.
On December 23, 2015, students at Veronica Connor Middle school presented the Neighbor's Foundation of Grand Island with $650.00 in donations. These donations were raised through the annual "Give Change to Make a Change" fundraiser. Top classes, in the photo include Mrs. Slaght's mod 2 and mod 11 Honor's Math classes, and Ms. Poole's mod 1 6th grade class. For their efforts, they were rewarded a "Donut Party".To the Grand People of Grand Island - December 2015
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island is proud to have had your help in brightening somewhat the Holiday Season for 62 families on the Island. We must admit that we join thoughtful folks, sad there are those families (and unfortunately, probably a number more) in distress in our area - we so want to believe that a rising economy helps all. Be proud that your financial, food, and gift contributions helped the Foundation provide food baskets, turkeys and/or hams, gifts for children involved, and other help for those families. Seedonators list.So many helped: food by students from all schools, then from DECA and Student Council sorting that food for us. Many local organizations, particularly River Oaks Golf Club (Ellden's), made donations or held events that raised money or collected additional food.
The Officers and Directors of the Foundation keep our work low-key and certainly do not 'advertise' our help to distressed families. We show the names of our hard-working Officers and Directors after listing of all our donors in the Neighbors Foundation segment of the organization groups on Isle de Grande. Those people, plus other Advisors, help convert your generous donations into useful help for your Island neighbors in temporary financial distress. Thanks to all the donors and helpers listed in that summary who made the 2015 Holiday Season a bit happier for your Island neighbors.
Henry G Kammerer
President, Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island
Share Your Happiness Campaign - November 2015
It is that time of the year when we look to our friends and generous supporters of the Neighbors Foundation in our planning for the Annual Holiday Distribution to the less fortunate family members on Grand Island. For over 40 years, we have provided food gift baskets and gift card donations to families in temporary need, all made possible from donations from individuals, groups and organizations. Could you ‘Share Your Happiness’ by making a donation to the Foundation at P. O. Box 155 (or thru Paypal at www.gineighbors.org)? Financial contributions will help ‘fill out’ the food contributions that the G I schools are collecting for us. The Neighbors Foundation will distribute gift cards to our families with 7 – 13 year olds, so those parents may use gift cards to purchase gifts for their children. As such, we would appreciate and graciously accept (for our Holiday Distribution) gift cards for the following stores:1. Target
2. Tops
3. Walgreens
4. Rite Aid
With the switch to gift cards for many children, we will need only a modest amount of toys and gifts to distribute to the very young. We hope generous supporters will consider donating gift cards, or providing financial donations that can be used to provide the cards we will distribute to our families in need. We have found it quite successful to provide toiletries gifts for teens – yes, we know they wash their hair every day! That portion of our Holiday Distribution remains unchanged, so gifts of toiletries will be useful to fill boxes for those teens.
Thank you for your consideration of participating in our fund raising and gift card campaign. Last year we provided gifts for over 60 families with close to 150 children. Your donation to us helps to make a difference in the lives of these families and their children during this holiday season.
Thanks to Share Your Happiness Campaign - January 2015
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island would like to thank the hundreds of individuals and organizations who contributed to make our 2014 Holiday Distribution so successful. Over 53 of your neighbors were helped with food baskets and, where appropriate, gift cards or toys, for their children. The Foundation is a small, all-volunteer organization; we don't do this 'ourselves', we depend on the community to recognize the need around all of us, and to respond so generously. Even in beautiful, suburban Grand Island, there are needs, and you have helped. Thanks to all of you!See List of Contributors.
Pancake Breakfast Benefits Neighbors Foundation - December 2014
On Sunday, Dec. 21, the River Oaks Clubhouse (Elden's Restaurant) is offering a Pancake Breakfast from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. to support the Neighbors Foundation. A $5 donation to the Foundation gives you excellent pancakes. The staff and management of River Oaks are donating all services and supplies to make this a great fund-raiser for the Neighbors Foundation, as the Foundation prepares Holiday Baskets for over 50 families of Grand Island who are having temporary financial difficulties this year. We on the all-volunteer Neighbors Foundation staff are particularly happy to thank Tom and Diane Brady of River Oaks management for their major support of the Foundation at this Holiday Season. We welcome all Grand Islanders to enjoy this Pancake Breakfast on Dec. 21 from 10 AM to 1 PM, increasing the support of the Foundation at the same time.Share Your Happiness Campaign - November 2014
It is that time of the year when we look to our friends and generous supporters of the Neighbors Foundation in our planning for the Annual Holiday Distribution to the less fortunate family members on Grand Island. For the past 40 years, we have provided food gift baskets and gift card donations to families in temporary need, all made possible from donations from individuals, groups and organizations. Could you ‘Share Your Happiness’ by making a donation to the Foundation at P. O. Box 155 (or thru Paypall at www.gineighbors.org)? Financial contributions will help ‘fill out’ the food contributions that the G I schools are collecting for us. The Neighbors Foundation will distribute gift cards to our families with 7 – 13 year olds, so those parents may use gift cards to purchase gifts for their children. As such, we would appreciate and graciously accept (for our Holiday Distribution) gift cards for the following stores:1. Target
2. Tops
3. Walgreens
4. Rite Aid
With the switch to gift cards for many children, we will need only a modest amount of toys and gifts to distribute to the very young. We hope generous supporters will consider donating gift cards, or providing financial donations that can be used to provide the cards we will distribute to our families in need. We have found it quite successful to provide toiletries gifts for teens – yes, we know they wash their hair every day! That portion of our Holiday Distribution remains unchanged, so gifts of toiletries will be useful to fill boxes for those teens.
Thank you for your consideration of participating in our fund raising and gift card campaign. Last year we provided gifts for over 60 families with close to 150 children. Your donation to us helps to make a difference in the lives of these families and their children during this holiday season.
Neighbors Foundation Donates Gift Cards - August 2014
Top: Denny Dahl and Superintendent Teresa Lawrence, bottom: Cole & Callee Bartolotta
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island presented $1500 in gift cards to the Grand Island Central School District on Thursday, August 28th. Foundation Board of Director Dennis Dahl was accompanied by grandchildren Cole and Callee Bartolotto when presenting the cards to Superintendent Teresa Lawrence. At this time of year, a family may need some help in buying supplies or clothing for their children. The Neighbors Foundation is always ready to help.Thank You Grand Island - January 2014
From Henry Kammerer:The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island would like to thank the hundreds of individuals and organizations who contributed to make our 2013 Holiday Distribution so successful. Over sixty five of your neighbors were helped with food baskets and, where appropriate, gift cards or toys, for their children. The Foundation itself is a small, all-volunteer organization; we cannot do anything ‘ourselves’, we depend on the community to recognize the need around us, and to respond so generously. Even in beautiful, pleasantly suburban Grand Island, there are needs, and you have helped. Thanks to all of you! List of donors. Additional donors list, added 1/15/14.
Busy Year for Neighbors Foundation - December 2013
The Neighbors Foundation had their busiest year yet as they helped 68 families have a very nice holiday. For over 35 years the Neighbors Foundation have been helping those in need, especially during the holidays. The Grand Island Schools collected non-perishable items and gift cards, gifts and money was collected from the community. Each family will receive a turkey and gifts and gift cards for everyone in the family, along with canned goods. In the future, the Foundation is asking that all donated items be in the form of gift cards or cash donations, not actual gifts as in the past. The gift cards work out very well for all ages. Items may be donated at any time during the year to P. O. Box 155, Grand Island, New York 14072.Neighbors Foundation "Share Your Happiness" Campaign - November 2013
It is that time of the year when the Neighbors Foundation looks to their friends and generous supporters in the planning for the Annual Holiday Distribution to the less fortunate family members on Grand Island. For the past 39 years, they have provided food pantry gift baskets and toys/gift donations to our families in need, all made possible from donations from various individuals, groups and organizations. Toys and stuffed animals are great for the young children of needy families that participate in the "Share Your Happiness" campaign. This year the Neighbors Foundation would like to provide some modest amount of store gift cards to the parents of the 7 - 13 year old children that are helped. They are accepting $5, $10, $20 and $25 cards from suggested merchants: Top's Markets, Dollar Tree, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Target, Walmart, Toys R Us, Macy's and Kmart. Please submit your donation ASAP. Mail to: Neighbors Foundation, PO Box 155, Grand Island, NY 14072 or call foundation board President Hank Kammerer at 773-1245 for pick up.Neighbors Foundation Thanks Donators - January 2013
The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island would like to thank the hundreds of individuals and organizations who contributed to make our 2012 Holiday Distribution the largest and most successful ever. Sixty six of your neighbors were helped with food baskets and, where appropriate, toys and gifts, for their children. The Foundation itself is a small, all-volunteer organization; we cannot do anything ‘ourselves’, we depend on the community to recognize the need around us, and to respond so generously. You recognize that even in beautiful, pleasantly suburban Grand Island, there are needs, and you have helped. The Foundation is continuing to grow and ‘modernize’, within the list of donors below there are several who donated via our Internet Web page! Thanks to they and all of you!Our thanks to these people and organizations who donated to our ‘Share Your Happiness’ fund drive in the 2012 Holiday Season:
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G. I. Town Employees in AFSCME Local #1783A American Legion Post 1346 Anonymous Donors Wayne & Jeanne Anstett Paul & Kathy Aronica Auto Fix Phyllis Baker Dr & Mrs Jared Barlow Paul & Judith Bassette In memory of Bud Figler by Marlowe & Deborah Beis The Benoit Family Eric & Susan Berger Eric Berger Insurance Andrew Bernatovicz Adrianne Berndt In memory of husband Dominic by Janet Bianca George & Claire Bishop Ramona Blackmore Robert & Linda Brandon Charlene Burchfield Katherine & Michael Chadwick Dave & Jane Chervinsky Casual Dress Days at Connor Middle School Change to Make a Change at Connor Middle School Marlene Coughlin Richard Crawford Custom Maid Cleaning Earl & Rita DeGlopper Ray & Ann Dlugokinski Leslie Dumas Stan & Bay Ellson Anne Fanning Donald & Susan Farley Paul Fields Ann Fraterrigo Ugly Christmas Sweater Day for G. I. Town Employees David & Valerie Gaydosh Eilene Gebrian Emil Geering Robert & Joanne Gesl John Gibney Dr & Mrs Joseph Gioia Holiday Party of Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Employee Payroll Contributions Grand Island School System Payroll Contributions by Grand Island Town Employee Jane Greer Susan Grenda Marian Grosenbaugh Ron & Nancy Gula Debra Harris Miles & Frances Havens Nancy Hayes Scott & Cathy Henderson Lee & Mary Herbst Pat & John Hurld Intellihome Systems Island Healthcare Devices Just Pizza, GI, Christmas Stocking Program Henry & Grace Kammerer John Kapoor |
John & Editha Kapoor Charitable Foundation Knights of Columbus No. 4752 Mr & Mrs Lynn Alan Konovitz Peter & Beverly Kuszczak Arlene Larry & Family Stuart & Donna LaVallee Christine Learman & Kent Richardson Christine Learman, CPA Nina Leskiw Don & Evelyn Lewis Grand Island Lions Club Henry & Annette Lobl Michael & Julie Lockett Tom & Nancy Luescher Shirley Luther John & MaryJane MacGaffick Betty Marinell Skip & Judy Mazenauer Daniel McMahon Peter McMahon Jack & Bev Mikulski George & Eileen Minton In honor of Joyce from Mike Mongan & granddaughter Kelly Sharon Nichols James & Jean Niland The Norman Family Jerrie Page Angelo & Rosalie Palamuso Judy & John Pedlow Patrick Peri & Family Michael & Donnette Rayhill Kim Rebmann Brooks & Brenda Rimes Gary & Carol Roesch The Rose Liquor Store Grand Island Rotary Club Ferdinand Ruocco, D.D.S. Thomas Rusert Richard & Beverly Seibert Deborah Sharon Tom & Janet Sheehan Robert Shoemaker Giving Tree at Sidway School Grand Island Snowmobile Club Ruth Stahl Ron Stanke Pamela Suszczynski James & Eve Tagliarino Lee Tetkowski Mark & Dianne Tiede Joseph Ungaro William & Lynne Vaine Karen Vanthoff Mens Auxiliary of VFW Post 9249 Gregory & Paulette Voyzey Mike Wegrzyn & Family John & Florence Whitev White, White & Cich Financial Jean Wholahan Tom Witkowski WNY Metro Town Center Realty Susan Wright Grand Island Zonta International |
Neighbors Foundation Assists 65 Families - Dec. 2012
Click photo for larger view
The Neighbors Foundation is helping out 65 families this year with food and Christmas gifts. Grand Island High School students from the DECA Club, Casey's Corner and Student Council gathered on Tuesday, December 18th to distribute the non-perishables. Families will pick up their gifts and food donations that afternoon/evening. Included in the food and gift baskets were $5000 in Top's Gift Cards, $1000 in gift certificates from John's Pizza (thank you Mark Raepple) and 1000 packages of Bremner cookies (thank you Rick Karnath). Student advisors on hand to help with the distribution include Cheryl Chamberlain/High School DECA, Christine Podlucky & Bob Simpson/Student Council and Mary Jane Fonte/Middle School Deca.Neighbors Helping Neighbors - Neighbors Foundation - Nov. 2012
Neighbors helping Neighbors, this time from a fire, other times from economic distress. The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island, Inc, is proud to step forward and join the High School, Town of Grand Island, WGRZ-TV and numerous individuals plus businesses who are helping an Island family burned out of their apartment on Novovember 5, 2012. Linda Ray and her two sons have been left homeless and with ‘nothing but the clothes of their backs’ (literally) by the fire. With help spearheaded by Mary Friona of WGRZ, Principal Sandy Anzalone and Grand Island Town Supervisor Mary Cooke, contributions to the Neighbors Foundation, plus Foundation funds, will assist them in re-establishing their lives. We, as their neighbors, cannot bring back the pets they lost, but we can make their lives a little better by showing that we all care. The Foundation has a long-standing tradition of helping families in need on Grand Island. The Foundation also continues with its program of helping needy Island families in the 2012 Holiday Season with food and gift baskets. We ask the Grand Island community for extra support in our Holiday ‘Share Your Happiness’ fund drive through donations to P. O. Box 155, Grand Island NY 14072 or through the ‘Donate Now’ button on our Web Site www.gineighbors.org. The Neighbors Foundation is an all-volunteer charity with IRS 501c3 status helping Grand Island families (only) through their times of temporary need.GIHS Students Assist Neighbors Foundation - Dec. 2011
Right: Hank Kammerer and Stephanie Senn
Left: Student Council Advisor Christina Podlucky, Bree McGuire, Hank Kammerer and Council President Brittanee Ramallo.
Right: Casey's Corner representatives and Hank Kammerer (Katie Turner, James Rustowicz, Josh Ungaro, Mr. Kammerer, Nick Soos, Alex Ahne, Matt Seaman, and Mrs. Chamberlain) - Click photos for larger view
Grand Island High School students from the Deca Club, Casey's Corner and Student Council came together on Tuesday, December 20th to sort and distribute all of the food collected during the annual "Share Your Happiness" campaign. The food donations were double the collection
last year and packed the Knights of Columbus where the distribution took place. Sixty families will be stopping in to pick up their goodies, up from 45 families in 2010. In addition donations were made from the GIHS girls' soccer team, Casey's Corner and from the Student Council Tree Auction. Thanks go to high school students and advisors Robert Simpson, Christina Podlucky and Cheryl Chamberlain for all their efforts.
Casey’s Corner and DECA helped those in need during this holiday season by holding two different fundraising events at Grand Island High School. The yearly tradition of “Something Sweet” enables students to send a stocking full of candy to their sweetheart’s homeroom for a small donation. The proceeds allowed the store to present a check for $150 to The Grand Island Neighbors Foundation. In addition, an “Ugly Sweater” contest was also held and students entered by donating $1 to the Community Mission. Mrs. Chamberlain and her students collected over $60 to purchase toys and mittens and delivered them just before the holiday. DECA and Casey’s Corner students wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Grand Islanders: Be proud of help for your neighbors! - Dec. 2011
Grand Islanders can be proud of all that they did this Holiday Season to help the Neighbors Foundation help 60 families having difficult times with food, toy and gift baskets. Our Grand Island school children in the public schools and in St. Stephen school came through with a tremendous outpouring of food (OK, we know you parents really provided the cans and boxes). DECA, Student Council and Interact students from Grand Island High School sorted that food into 60 overflowing packages. Service and community clubs, individuals, organizations and businesses provided the Neighbors Foundation with funds to add turkeys, hams, gift cards and other treats to the baskets. With the economy around us barely improving, the need was greater than it has been for several years; we know all of you are ‘stressed’, but you recognized the need of your neighbors. We thank everyone who helped in any way. Those who were helped cannot speak for themselves, we send their thanks to you. Once again, Grand Island is a grand place; may we all have an improved year in 2012.
Henry G. Kammerer
President, Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island
Click the following for:
‘Share Your Happiness’ Donations - 2011
Donations of Food & Toys - 2011
Volunteer List - 2011
Share Your Happiness 2011
The Neighbors Foundation is continuing the tradition of helping families in need at this 2011 Holiday Season with food and gift baskets, but earnestly asks the Grand Island community for extra support in our Holiday ‘Share Your Happiness’ fund drive through donations to P. O. Box 155, Grand Island, NY 14072. In addition, as the Grand Island Schools and other groups have non-perishable food drives, increased generosity to those drives would greatly help those in need. The Neighbors Foundation is an all-volunteer charity with IRS 501c3 status helping Grand Island families (only) through their times of temporary, emergency need with food baskets and partial payments toward rent and utility bill payments where appropriate. Neighbors Foundation Wish List.Pajama Bottoms Needed - November 2011
The Neighbors Foundation is starting to collect items for the "Share The Happiness" campaign that takes place every year. Trinity UMC Church is collecting teen pajama bottoms for boys and girls. The collection box is in the front hall of the "new" church, located at 2100 Whitehaven Road. The collection will take place during the month of November.Click For Previous Neighbors Foundation News
