One month following terror in Buffalo, local organization hosts campaign

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – Tuesday marks one full month since a gunman allegedly motivated by hate, shot 13 people at a Tops Market in Buffalo killing 10 black people. That Tops location is the only market in the neighborhood.

News10NBC takes a look at a local food drive campaign started by Uniting and Healing Through Monroe County, and its many partners for the people of Buffalo.

Founder Clay Harris says this food drive is his organization’s way of trying to bring a ray of hope, and love to the residents of the East Side Buffalo neighborhood still mourning the loss of 10 innocent lives.

"It is expedient that we help our fellow man in a time of need. This is one of the most tragic things that ever happened in Western New York," said Harris.

For the past few days now Uniting and Healing Through Hope of Monroe County, and its many partners such as the First Student Bus Company have been collecting hundreds of pounds of non-perishable food, and other personal items with the hopes of filling this entire school bus.

"We need you guys to donate as many non-perishable items as you can. They really need help in Buffalo because with that Tops being gone it was already a food desert within a 5 to 10-mile radius," said Harris.

He has teamed up with the Rochester Red Wings, and Amerks. Partners also include our local law enforcement agencies.

Rochester Police Officer Moses Robinson said, "It’s strategically important that we show our passion, our love, and including our faith for the people of Buffalo. The citizens of Buffalo, but more importantly the victims of those who are suffering with this tragedy."

Harris says they will continue to collect donated items until this Saturday, then the bus will leave for Buffalo.

"We have agencies already lined up in Buffalo to receive it, and then they will distribute it," said Harris.

Donation sites are simple to find.

"You go to our website United and Healing Through Hope of Monroe County, and there are about 20 different locations, or more all over Monroe County that you can go, and drop off your non-perishables," said Harris.

Tops Friendly Markets recently announced that their Jefferson Avenue location in Buffalo is scheduled to reopen at the end of July.