There are many charities and services in the Buffalo area that do great things for the less fortunate; however, one group rises above the rest.
The Friends of Night People (FoNP), a non-profit organization, has been helping the poor and the homeless of Buffalo and Erie County for over 40 years.
FoNP is open 365 days a year and provides the displaced community of Buffalo hot meals and clothing for free.
They offer health services on the first and third Tuesday of every month. FoNP also supplies legal assistance to those who need it through Neighborhood Legal Services on housing and Social Service issues.
The group does not receive any government funding and relies solely on clothing and food donations collected by local schools, businesses and organizations.
Students interested in contributing to the FoNP can help in a number of ways. Volunteers can put in time by themselves or with a group of friends. To volunteer, you must be 16 years of age. Applications for volunteering are available at www.friendsofnightpeople.com
The FoNP also encourages community members to hold neighborhood can drives, bake sales and other fundraisers to benefit the homeless.
The FoNP accepts monetary donations online or in person. Donations of food, clothing and personal hygiene products can be delivered to their headquarters at 394 Hudson Street in downtown Buffalo.
Photo: Breadchastick / Wikimedia Commons
