There’s nothing quite like seeing a commercial district or a neighborhood adorned with holiday lights and decorations. At the same time, organizing these types of efforts can be extremely daunting. But when it comes to heavy lifting tasks such as this, B Team Buffalo excels. Each year, the volunteer organization picks a community in Buffalo to decorate for the holidays.
This year, the recipient of the task is the University District. On Saturday December 6, 2014, volunteers (see here) will take to the streets, stringing lights and hanging holiday decorations. This is the 7th Annual City of Light undertaking, and this year B Team Buffalo is teaming up with the University Heights Tool Library to ensure that the job gets done right.
“Seeing the smiles on people’s faces as we switch the holiday lights on makes all the effort worth it,” said Ryan Taughrin, B Team Buffalo chairperson. “We couldn’t do it without the help of all the volunteers and community partners who come together every year to make this event happen.”
As an added bonus, the organizers will also be hosting a winter carnival at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm for the residents of University Heights. Neighbors are invited to come celebrate the occasion, and meet the people behind the initiative. Families will find plenty of activities for the kids, including arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, and even some toys. Residents and volunteers are invited to a community dinner later that evening, culminating with a tree-lighting ceremony.
“When B Team approached us about bringing City of Light to The Heights we saw an opportunity to bring two great events together, while introducing a large number of volunteers to the positive things happening in the [University Heights] neighborhood,” said Tool Library Manager Aaron Krolikowski.
*The decorating will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the carnival opens at 1:30 pm. For more information on B Team Buffalo, City of Light or volunteering visit their website, www.bteambuffalo.com. All of the events are free and open to residents.