From left, Niagara County Undersheriff Mike Filicetti, Judges and Police Treasurer Tony Majka, and Linus Ormsby of the St. Vincent DePaul Society speak at the Judges and Police Executives annual Christmas Celebration on Thursday. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

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NIAGARA FALLS -- Judges and Police Executives Conference of Niagara County gathered for their annual Christmas celebration at the Como Restaurant on Thursday.

While members of the organization enjoyed the fun and festivities, the group was again able to help organizations in our community that help others, assisting five community groups with donations to further their cause.

All of the deserving charities received $250 in assistance from the Judges and Police to continue their much needed work.  

Heart, Love and Soul provides support in feeding, clothing and domestic services for those in need. They provide a food pantry, soup kitchen and veteran’s services.

St. Francis Center offers free organized help to children of all faiths and backgrounds. They provide a safe environment for underprivileged youth to obtain educational assistance, enrichment through arts and culture and receive food and clothing.

Dog Tags of Niagara provides assistance for returning veterans from deployment by working with SPCA rescue dogs. Vets are paired with dogs to help the abandoned animals and the dogs provide much needed stress relief for the veterans.

The Grace Pet Food Pantry provides pet food and pet products to families who cannot afford the basic needs and necessities for their pets. They also offer additional support in spaying and neutering the animals.

St. Vincent DePaul Society of Lewiston provides food baskets to needy families in Lewiston and the Northern Niagara County area. In the past they have provided 55 Thanksgiving baskets and 55 Christmas baskets to needy families.  

Most of the groups were able to send a representative to receive their donations. Several jars of peanut butter and jelly were gathered to help support the annual PB and J drive.

Following the presentation of checks by the Judges and Police there was one special presentation of note.  Judges and Police Board Member James Page presented his own check for $500 to Dog Tags of Niagara.  Mr. Page commented, “I have been in this community my entire life and when I am able to give back to help an organization, I do it.  These organizations do so much to help those in need and I wanted to help them do more.”

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