Buffalo's Merry Makers

As the season of giving shines bright across Buffalo, these inspiring women remind us that generosity doesn’t always come wrapped in ribbons. Sometimes, it looks like a shared toy, a tube of lipstick, a warm visit, or a child’s smile. Each of them has found a way to turn their personal stories into acts of kindness that ripple across Buffalo, proving that compassion is the city’s true holiday spirit.

Hannah Bogdan:

Keeping the Joy of Play Alive

The Buffalo Toy Library is built on a simple yet powerful mission to bring high-quality play and learning opportunities to children and families across Western New York. At its heart, it’s a place where play is accessible, equitable, and joyful for all. The Toy Library offers families a free space to explore and enjoy high-quality toys and play materials, while also allowing them to bring those experiences home. By circulating toys that have been loved by other families, the Buffalo Toy Library promotes sustainability and gives toys a second life, reducing waste while expanding opportunities for play.

For founder Hannah Bogdan, the idea grew out of both her work and her studies. “As a former preschool teacher, I was inspired by one of my students to start a classroom Toy Library,” she shares. “I was getting my doctorate in education at the time and decided to expand the project and study it for my dissertation.” Her belief that play is the foundation of childhood development became the driving force behind the Buffalo Toy Library. “Unfortunately, access to play experiences is not equitable for all children,” she says. “Through the Buffalo Toy Library, we aim to break down barriers to play and encourage more sustainable play practices for families that require less purchasing of new toys.”

Moments of connection like one with a young Scholarship Member remind Bogdan why this work matters. “We have an inflatable bouncy horse that retails for $65,” she recalls. “A 2½-year-old came in and immediately noticed it with glee! His mom explained that they’d wanted one but didn’t have the space or budget to buy it. They checked out the horse from the Toy Library, and he was so delighted. Seeing that joy, knowing a child can play freely without the purchasing pressure, that’s what the Toy Library is all about.”

When the snow starts to fall and playgrounds close, the Buffalo Toy Library continues to be a haven for families. “We bring joy during the winter season by providing a free, safe, indoor space for children and families to play,” says Bogdan. “As the weather turns, it can be hard for families to find free indoor spaces to play together. That’s exactly what we provide.”

help children play, learn, and smile.

Families can support the Buffalo Toy Library in several ways this season. Donations can be made at buffalotoylibrary.org/donate, or consider giving a Gift Membership, a thoughtful way to share the magic of play.

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Nicole Staebell:

Making the Holidays Brighter

WNY Homes for the Holidays focuses on providing mostly elderly individuals living in non-typical homes with essentials, enrichment, and personalized visits. The organization prioritizes those who are financially burdened or do not have family support.

Nicole Staebell’s inspiration comes from her mother, who was a nurse for over 40 years and began her career in long-term care facilities. “When we were looking for a charity project, she suggested nursing homes due to their overwhelming lack of attention,” Nicole explains. “My mom is no longer with us, so I carry on her love and care for the elderly.”

A powerful moment from this past year illustrates the organization’s impact. “An older woman who recently left a domestic violence situation reached out because she was living in a rented room with literally nothing in it. Wooden floors, no bed, no clothing, etc. We were able to furnish her room and provide her with all the essentials, including oral care items, hand soap, plates, a bed, and bedding. She told me she had been living like that for a week and we were the first and only organization to respond and offer help.”

During the holiday and winter season, WNY Homes for the Holidays brings joy through personal visits. “The most important part of what we do is visit. The folks we serve are identified by staff as the most in need, mostly because they do not get visitors all year. We like people to know they are not alone and they are remembered, especially at the holidays.”

bring comfort and connection to those who need it most.

Supporting WNY Homes for the Holidays is simple. Donations are accepted year-round, and volunteers are always needed to pass out gift bags and visit with residents. Children and families are welcome, as recipients are thrilled to see young people.

View their Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/SYYMXD08AP3E?ref_=wl_share

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Laila Robinson:

Sharing Beauty and Care, One Blush Bin at a Time

The Glam Pantry is a student-led non-profit providing beauty and hygiene products to underserved youth and families across Western New York. The organization believes every woman deserves access to self-expression through makeup and essential hygiene items. “We have Blush Bins scattered throughout different salons across WNY to collect products from a variety of areas,” says Laila Robinson. “When bins are full, they’re picked up and donated directly to the Lancaster Youth Bureau for distribution at their Clothes Closet.”

Laila’s inspiration came from seeing others make a difference in her community. “I’ve always seen food and clothes drives, but never one directed toward beauty,” she explains. “My mother has an abundance of makeup, soap, and hygiene items that have been stashed away for years, and this inspired an idea. My curly, coily hair is the root of my identity, and purchasing products that tame it is expensive. Not everybody has access to the various tools and haircare products I use daily, and expanding the availability of items that increase confidence and cleanliness is my goal with The Glam Pantry.”

One standout moment confirmed that her work was making an impact. “When I first started placing bins inside salons, I didn’t know if there would be a strong response,” she says. “Shortly after, I got emails from owners saying bins were full. Once, while picking up items from New Dawn Hair Design, an older man thanked me for giving back to the community. He said, ‘You’re doing God’s work,’ and hearing that fueled my motivation to continue making an impact.”

During the holidays, The Glam Pantry shines even brighter. “I direct a school-wide Fall Beauty Drive sponsored by the National Honor Society each October,” Laila says. “Donations go to the Lancaster Youth Bureau’s Clothes Closet and their Day of Giving event in December for families in need. Students and volunteers assemble baskets distributed to those families.”

give the gift of beauty.

Locals can help by donating new or gently used beauty and hygiene products at any active Blush Bin, located at Bella A’more Salon, New Dawn Hair Design, Ascend Float Spa, Canvas Salon, Sorelle Salon, She Gathers, Valvaere Collective, Lox Salon, and Moonglade Salon. Follow @theglampantry on Instagram to see photos of donation bins, current events, and updates on this growing community effort.

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Emmalee Cinotti:

Bringing a little bit of Magic to Children

Emmalee Cinotti’s inspiration for community service comes from the people, especially the children, of Buffalo. “This city has such a big heart. Buffalo is still a hometown where neighbors look out for one another, and I’ve always wanted to reflect that same spirit in everything I do. The children I’ve met through my work inspire me every day. Their joy, resilience, and belief in magic remind me why giving back matters so deeply.”

Through her companies, Braidbabes, The 66 Collective, and Emmalee’s Memories, she uplifts others, whether by empowering young girls experiencing hair loss through headband braids or creating fairytale experiences for children overcoming medical challenges. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Totally Buffalo Cares, where volunteers support children and families in need throughout Western New York.

Cinotti’s dedication is deeply personal. Years ago, she survived a serious car accident, and during her recovery, the Buffalo community rallied around her. “Family, friends, neighbors, and strangers came together to lift me up. That experience changed me and my family forever. I learned how powerful kindness and community can be when you’re going through something difficult.” That support became the foundation for her work. Every time she sees a child’s face light up at an Emmalee’s Memories event or a girl regain confidence through Braidbabes, she remembers what it feels like to be lifted by love. Buffalo gave to her, and she is committed to paying it forward.

One of the most meaningful moments for Cinotti came during the Be Our Guest event hosted by Totally Buffalo Cares, which she has helped bring to life for the past three years. The event gives children facing life-threatening illnesses and bereaved families a day of pure magic. Emmalee’s Memories sponsored 11 princesses to attend, singing, dancing, and creating moments of joy. The Board of Directors contributed, and the event was funded entirely through sponsors, the Cares Crew, and the Sweet Hearts Campaign, where local businesses sold paper hearts. “Standing in that room, surrounded by children laughing and singing, I felt proud of what Totally Buffalo Cares created. It was the perfect example of the Buffalo spirit, with neighbors, businesses, and volunteers uniting to lift up others.”

During the holidays, Cinotti focuses on initiatives that support children and families in need, including the Make a Case for Kids Toy Drive. Thousands of pillowcases filled with toys, books, winter gear, and essentials are distributed across Western New York, including to children battling illness, so they can experience the magic of Christmas.

help spread the magic.

Readers can support her work by donating to Totally Buffalo Cares at totallybuffalocares.org or following Emmalee’s Memories on Instagram @emmaleesmemories to sponsor princess visits. Every act of support helps continue creating magical moments for children in Buffalo and beyond.