I would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. As we prepare for this holiday, many groups are collecting donations to help our neighbors who are less fortunate. We can’t thank those volunteers enough for the hours they dedicate collecting, sorting and delivering goods. Their efforts are often unsung, and while many prefer it that way, thanking them for the essential work they do is important.

The Rural Outreach Center, which is located in South Wales, serves much of the district I represent. It provides various methods of assistance, designed to help individuals become self-sufficient. Currently, the group is focused on its year-end fundraising campaign and its goal of launching the capital campaign to build a center that will be a regional asset. It also just concluded its coat drive with more than 60 coats collected for families in need. Learn more about how you can help at https://theroc.co or find Rural Outreach Center on Facebook, please CLICK HERE.

Our local food pantries are always in need and this is a good time of year to remind donors where they are located. The pantries that serve our smaller communities play a huge role in helping to put food on the table. Located at 960 Main St., East Aurora, FISH (call 652-7272) collects food, clothing and household items. The West Seneca Community Food Pantry (call 823-8376), which is operated through Food Bank of WNY, is located at 3951 Seneca St., West Seneca. Located at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 13021 Main St., Alden, the Alden-Marilla Food Pantry (call 937-6922) also serves residents living in the district I represent. Contact these groups for hours and information on how to donate.

Erie County supports many charitable organizations with funding from the county budget or by partnering to promote fundraiser initiatives. If you are involved in a group from Aurora/East Aurora, Colden, Elma, Holland, Marilla, Wales or West Seneca, I would be happy to support your efforts. Please contact me at 858-8922 or joseph.lorigo@erie.gov if I can ever be of assistance.

I also want to thank everyone who donated to “Costumes For A Cause,” which collected Halloween costumes and accessories for kids last month. I joined elected officials from all levels of government to promote the drive and held a drop-off location at my law office in West Seneca. It was great to see the outpouring of support and hundreds of kids were able to choose a costume and enjoy the holiday.

As we move from fall into winter, please be reminded that winter parking bans are now in effect. Please check with your town if you are unsure of the hours for the ban. These bans ensure that plows and emergency vehicles can do their job during winter months. Do your part and do not park your vehicle on the road during the hours of the ban.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 858-8922 or joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.