Project to Provide Blankets, Coloring Books, Crayons, Gift Cards, and Other items to Pediatric Cancer Patients 

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard, representatives from the Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association, Teamster’s Union, AFSCME, CSEA, and the Sheriff’s Reserve Scientific Staff will present Brianna Odrzywolski with cash donations from the organizations to help her achieve her Silver Award for the Girl Scouts. 

Last month, Brianna contacted the Sheriff’s Office seeking donations for her Silver Award project.  Brianna, who is fourteen years old and with Girl Scouts Troop #31301, is seeking toys and activity items for children undergoing chemotherapy.  She is collecting blankets, crayons, markers, coloring books, and cash donations to assemble Chemo Care Packages and deliver them to children battling cancer. 

Sheriff Howard said, “This is very personal to my wife and me, and I am honored Brianna contacted my office and included us in her amazing project.  Last year, I witnessed, up close, the struggles of a cancer patient and the comfort that even small gestures bring people when they are going through treatment, and I know these care packages will lift a lot of spirits.” 

Brianna is to achieve her Silver Award later this year and will begin delivering the packages in September to Carly’s Club and patients: September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 

Representatives from the PBA, Teamsters, AFSCME, CSEA, and the Scientific Staff made the check presentations to Brianna for her project.  The Sheriff’s Office and the various organizations initially raised $1,000.00 and presented Brianna with the checks Wednesday morning. 

“I immediately wanted to help her with the project, and when I learned the other groups were joining me, I knew Brianna was going to put together some amazing packages for the boys and girls,” stated Sheriff Howard.  “I am moved and inspired by Brianna’s actions and by the deep compassion she has for these brave young men and women.” 

The unions and groups who contributed: 

• ECSO PBA
• Teamsters
• AFSCME
• CSEA
• Sheriff’s Reserve Scientific Staff
• Deputies and Officers from the Professional Standards Division 

The Sheriff’s Office is also donating Deputy Sheriff’s badges and coloring books for Brianna’s Chemo Care Packages.