Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) is inviting the community to join him in bringing joy to the children at the John Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo through his “Christmas in July” Toy Drive. The drive is going on now through Thursday, July 20 and will collect new, unwrapped toys and activity sets to be given to the children with cancer and other serious illnesses at the hospital at the end of the month.

“I first launched my Christmas in July Toy Drive for the children before the pandemic, and I was overwhelmed with the generosity of our community — but I was not prepared for what happened next,” said Norris. “When I visited the hospital with Santa that July to deliver the toys to the children, it was life-changing for me to see the joy on their faces. No matter the circumstances of their health, the face of each child instantly lit up with pure joy. It was an experience I will never forget, and I want to share that experience with our community. This summer as other kids are outside playing, please keep these children in the hospital in mind. Your donation of a new toy or activity set will bring them such incredible joy and allow them to be children as they deserve to be.”

Because of the pandemic, Norris had to temporarily pause the drive; however, he is thrilled that circumstances have allowed him to resume the toy drive this year. It is important the public know because of health concerns all donations must be new toys, not used. In fact, the hospital has even launched an online gift registry for the children where the public can donate items directly online through stores such as Amazon or Target. To donate online, please go to: https://bit.ly/norrischristmasinjuly.

Norris has also partnered with public libraries throughout the 144^th Assembly District, which will serve as donation collection sites for people who wish to shop locally or donate items in person. You can donate new, unwrapped toys, craft or activity sets for children at the following locations, including the assemblyman’s office in Clarence:
 

Assemblyman Mike Norris’ District Office
8180 Main Street
Clarence, NY 14221
(716) 839-4691
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. -5 p.m.

Lockport Public Library
23 East Ave.
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 433-5935
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. -8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.

Clarence Town Library
3 Town Pl.
Clarence, NY 14031
(716) 741-2650
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. -9 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
Friday, Saturday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.

Wilson Library
265 Young St.
Wilson, NY 14172
(716) 751-6070
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. -8 p.m.
Wednesday: 2 p.m. -8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

Newfane Library
2761 Maple Ave.
Newfane, NY 14108
(716) 778-9344
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. -6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. -2 p.m.