May 25, 2022

Independent Health welcomes community members wishing to donate essential non-food items to aid the residents of the Tops Friendly Markets Jefferson Avenue neighborhood to make donations at any of the three Western New York Independent Health Medicare Information Centers beginning Tuesday, May 31 through Friday, June 3.

Essential items that will be collected include toiletries (individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, women’s personal care products, hair products), paper towels, reusable bags, diapers, laundry detergent, diapers and other baby products. These items can be placed in labeled containers at the following Independent Health Medicare Information Center locations between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4 p.m.:

• Orchard Park - 3225 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park
• Cheektowaga/Depew - 620 Dick Rd., Depew
• Williamsville - 250 Essjay Rd., Amherst

“As part of Independent Health’s commitment to providing community programs to Western New York, we are offering another opportunity for community residents to help support Buffalo’s East Side residents in the wake of the May 14 tragedy,” said Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president and chief executive offer, Independent Health. “Working with Back to Basic Ministries, we will distribute these essential items to provide relief and respite in the coming weeks as the healing and rebuilding process begins.”

Back to Basics Ministries is the parent organization of the Buffalo Peacemakers, and is led by Pastor James Giles. Back to Basics Ministries is working in the heart of the community surrounding the Tops Friendly Markets Jefferson Ave. neighborhood providing essential items and services to those in need.

Other efforts by Independent Health to support families and neighbors affected by the mass shooting include a $100,000 corporate donation to the “Buffalo Together: Community Response Fund” and a collection of essential items by Independent Health associates. Items from the associate collection will support families from the Independent Health Foundation’s Good for the Neighborhood and Soccer for Success programs as well as other families in the Tops/Jefferson Ave. community.

“Words cannot adequately capture the shock and sadness of this tragedy. Buffalo is a tight-knit community where people know each other and care for one another,” said Dr. Cropp. “We will continue to promote diversity, inclusion and the feeling of belonging for all associates within our company and among our neighbors throughout the community.”