For the 2nd year in a row, a grant from the Arby’s Foundation has funded our Holiday Party as well as several other projects that we have planned this year. Their generous donation made it possible for our Bigs, Littles, and the families of our Littles to receive a nice gift, snacks, and a warm meal at our Dec. 11th holiday event. Seeing all the smiles on the faces of our littles was truly a joyful scene.
Thank you Arby’s!
Our 1st ever Golf Scramble was held at Sunset Ridge in Marcellus in July. We had over 60 participants join us for a relaxing day on the links. Refreshments, lunch, and prizes were provided. This event raised over $10,000, all of which will go directly toward supporting our program, in particular the Littles and their families.
Many thanks to all those who supported us. Our appreciation goes out to the event committee, led by Advisory Council members Dan McGarvey and Andrew Barno and assisted by Richard Shoff, Darnell Hayes, Billy Ryan and Brian Conboy.
We will be back…bigger… in the Summer of 2022!
During the first weekend of October, we held 1st ever Field Day event at Santaro Park. Among the approximately 80 participants were Bigs and Littles, parents, a large group of Syracuse City School District honors students who served as volunteers and the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff. We were thrilled with such a great turnout as we saw a lot of smiles and heard a lot of laughter.
10 stations were set up around the park that offered either games or a competition amongst a Big and Little. All Littles that took part in the stations received a participation ribbon. Additionally, there was a winner for each station – each of whom earned a 1st place ribbon and a gift card. We also ran musical hula hoop as a group activity… which was quite a hit!!!
Delicious lunch options were provided by local Chick-fil-A owner and BBBS partner, Jimmer Szatkowski. Once again, we thank Jimmer for his continued support!
Through the Central New York Community Foundation and the EITC/Co-Op Funders Network, Syracuse is one of 20 communities nationwide that received funds to spread the word about critical Tax Credits and to strengthen Free Tax Preparation in our area. As a result of these and other funds, PEACE, Inc.’s own Free Tax Prep Program can now offer year-round services for its clients. We also have a new, year-round home at 1201 E Fayette St, Suite 22 in Syracuse. In partnership with the CNY CA$H Coalition and the United Way of CNY, PEACE, Inc. served 1500 clients last year alone. With additional resources, we’re looking to ensure even more local residents receive a full tax return!
Currently, we are scheduling appointments for any household that earns below $57,000 yearly. We can do more, however, and we need your help! We always are looking for good volunteers to aid the program. No prior experience is needed. The hours are flexible. And we’ll train you! The more volunteers, the more people that we can help. It’s that simple.
So spread the word to your friends and contacts. Visit our Social Media pages and share our advertisements. To volunteer or to schedule an appointment, visit our revamped Free Tax Prep webpage for greater details
www.peace-caa.org/taxes or call 315.634.3756.
Since 2010, PEACE, Inc.’s Donation Program has assisted the community by collecting and distributing donations such as toys, toiletries, clothing, household items, candy, and more throughout Central New York. Managed by Rollin Mincher and housed at the agency’s Frank DeFrancisco Eastwood Community Center, the program is volunteer-based and partners with nonprofits that share PEACE, Inc.’s mission and goals. The program has provided thousands of donations – in fact, the value of contributions over the past 12 years is more than $10,000,000!
To keep up with demand, PEACE, Inc. purchased a new truck for the program in November 2021. The 2018 International, which can transport 12 pallets of items, is already making an impact! The truck proved instrumental in delivering PEACE, Inc. Give-A-Holiday 2021 gift donations, which were graciously provided by individual and corporate donors. To address seasonal needs, Rollin and his team picked up winter coats from McLane Northeast, Rite Aid, and Nucor Steel to donate to clients throughout the agency’s Family Resource Centers. Additionally, the United Way of Central New York recently donated and helped us distribute 7 pallets of sanitizing wipes. Cicero Fire Department is also helping the cause, delivering the wipes to local Fire, Police, EMS, and Volunteer Ambulance Service Providers in Onondaga County to disinfect their vehicles.
The Donation Program and its new truck will continue working hard to deliver items throughout our community. A special thank you to our volunteers, partners, and donors – without you, this impact wouldn’t be possible!
