Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce to participate in Leap of Kindness Day 2024

Rob Creenan, Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
·2 min read

Feb. 28—Today's extra day thanks to the Leap Year can be put to good use.

Invented in 2016 by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, in Saratoga Springs, Leap of Kindness Day started with hundreds of area organizations helping thousands of local people by donating their time, talent, and treasure to support area nonprofits, seniors, first responders, health care workers, veterans, animal shelters, etc.

In 2020, the initiative expanded with more than 200 communities in the U.S., Canada, and Ireland participating. Some of the Leap of Kindness Day activities included: delivering breakfast to first responders, bringing flowers or non-skid socks to nursing homes, collecting personal care items for shelters, cleaning up trails, and baking cookies for school bus drivers.

The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce has pledged to participate in Leap of Kindness Day by showcasing the needs of non-profit organizations and pairing them with people who can help.

Chamber President Jennifer Pauly, who is also chairwoman of the WNY Chamber Alliance, has encouraged other chambers throughout Western New York to get behind the special day. "February 29th comes around every four years and what better way to celebrate is there than helping others! We thrive on connecting organizations and businesses with the community and this is a perfect way to show kindness and serve."

The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce has compiled a listing of non-profit organizations that can use help on Leap of Kindness Day and beyond. Here are some of the groups:

—Big Brothers Big Sisters: Become a mentor, a Big Brother, or Big Sister. Use this extra day to "take the leap" to learn more. Today and year-round, Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for volunteers to give a few hours a month to be a Big to a local child. Enjoy the simple, little moments together — listen, learn, and have fun! Go to BiggerTogether.org or call (716) 873-5833.

—Heart, Love & Soul: Accepting nonperishable food items and personal care products. The chamber office is a drop-off location for donations.

—Niagara Hospice: The Spring Bouquet Sale (March 11-16) needs help delivering bouquets to businesses/schools. Info available on https://www.niagarahospice.org/springbouquet/

—Sanborn Area Historical Society: Needs volunteers for to help at the museum with events, dinners, and Christmas for the kids. They also need assistance in the reconstruction of the schoolhouse museum that was recently moved to the museum grounds. Contact Bonnie at 716-957-4851

—Women United of United Way of Greater Niagara: Baby Supply Drive -Help Women United kick off their 2024 Baby Supply Drive, which runs through March by dropping off items at the United Way office, 6420 Inducon Dr. W Ste. B2, Sanborn. Items collected, such as bottles, wipes, diapers, lotion, formula, baby food, and new clothing, will go directly to Lockport Care Network, Catholic Charities WIC Program, and Pinnacle Healthy Families Program.