December 2022 Newsletter
Live Generously, Give, and Give Thanks.
On Our Heart: Thankful (Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18). Being thankful may best summarize my reflection of 2022 and this year’s holiday season at Hearts which had the highest level of involvement ever! I am thankful for all that God is doing through Hearts; feeding tens of thousands of individuals and reaching them with the good news of Jesus Christ.
It is amazing to see how Hearts has expanded over just the last three years. Each of you, our supporters and donors, play a role in this ministry. Here at Hearts we are thankful for all of you. Those who we serve are often forgotten but by supporting Hearts, you are letting them know they are not forgotten and not alone.
As we close out another year together I pray that your needs are met and your burdens are lifted. Please join me in finding joy this Christmas season by being a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Know that your year-end gifts are greatly appreciated and that they are put to work all year long through the various programs at Hearts.
Please stay tuned for significant updates in 2023. The year ahead looks to be an exciting one with new ways for Hearts to support our communities and more opportunities for you to get involved with the ministry.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Blessed
New Year!
In His service,
Nick Calandra
A Thanksgiving Thank You
Last month Hearts started a Feed A Family initiative to help keep our neighbor’s Thanksgiving traditions going for future generations. Our goal was to allow our neighbors to share in the joy of their holiday traditions and not miss out on the benefits of Thanksgiving. The Feed A Family initiative gave Western New York an opportunity to get involved and help those families in need.
Through the efforts of donating food and sponsoring a family through Hearts, we are excited to share with you that over 200 families received a Thanksgiving Day meal kit. Through your generosity, Hearts was able to lend a hand in keeping these traditions alive for so many families.
From Hearts Kitchen
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter.” ~Isaiah 58:7
November 2022
Total Clients Served at Library: 778
Male: 537
Female: 201
Seniors: 9
Children: 10
Hot Meals Made for Homeless Shelters: 4,800
Meal Bags Made for Buffalo Dream Center Outreach: 400
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry
Even with the harsh snow taking over Western New York in November, our community gathers outside at the food pantry. Inside, people are helped by volunteers choosing food for the Thanksgiving holiday.
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 576 | 15 | 79 | 355 | 732 | 195 | 1,376 |
The Hearts Harvest Food Pantry offers a dignified program utilizing a “client choice” distribution method so individuals and families can choose the food that personally suits their needs.
