151201 #givingtuesday 1

James Neiss/staff photographer
Niagara Falls, NY - Grand Island High School student Claire Brandon takes canned goods from Niagara Falls High School student Matt Veihdeffer and other LYNC members cleaning out the food pantry at Community Missions in preparation for upgrades to be made by The Isaiah 61 Project.

Press Release: ​#GivingTuesday is in its fourth year, and encourages people to dedicate a day to giving back to others during the holiday season. This is in response to the consumerism that is so prevalent during the holidays, and particularly, the week following Thanksgiving in particular, thanks to “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.”
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​This year, Community Missions has partnered with several organizations this year to meet needs:
• Leadership Niagara will bring 100 high school students to the Mission to learn about servant leadership.
• The Isaiah 61 Project will install flooring in the Mission’s Food Pantry, allowing its students to gain hands-on experience just days before graduating the building trades workforce development program.
• The Niagara Falls Public Library is launching its “Food for Fines” program, allowing those with overdue fines to reduce them by bringing in non-perishable food items to donate to the Mission.
• Six local restaurants will donate a portion of #GivingTuesday’s proceeds to the Mission. These include Rainforest Café, TGI Friday’s, Denny’s, 24 Below Gallery & Café, LongHorn Steakhouse and Panera Bread.