(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) - Thousands of dollars in food and gift certificates that have been donated by Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF) Members will be distributed today (Tuesday, November 23rd) to more than 200 needy families throughout the Buffalo area through several charitable and non-profit groups in an effort to “make sure those families enjoy a ‘meal of thanks’ on Thanksgiving Day,” BTF President Phil Rumore announced.

“As we do each year, Buffalo Teachers want to do their part to make sure families, who might otherwise go without, will enjoy their Thanksgiving Day meal,” Rumore said.

“While this is our (25th) annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, no canned or packaged goods are being donated by the BTF this year.  Rather, and more easily, monetary donations were made by Buffalo Teachers,” he continued.

“Over (3,500) families have benefitted from the BTF Thanksgiving Food Drive (over the years),” said the BTF President, who added: “This is a wonderful way for all of us to give thanks for what we have.  After all, isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?”

The BTF Thanksgiving Day meal donations will be distributed to families through the following local charitable and non-profit groups: The Gloria Parks Community Center; Native American Community Services; the Fulgham Family Foundation; and the City Mission.

A total of 120, $25 gift cards from Tops Supermarkets will be distributed to the agencies to purchase additional food or to give to families, the BTF said.