Starbucks Goes Red

On World AIDS Day (Monday, December 1) Starbucks will donate 5 cents to the Global Fund for every hand-crafted beverage sold in-store between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The Global Fund fights AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in 136 countries around the world, and to date has committed $11.3 billion dollars to fund agressive interventions against the three diseases.

The 20th World AIDS Day

ACS is observing World AIDS Day with a full day of events beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 1. Fabric panels from the Mending of the Hearts Memorial Project will be featured, along with music by Kindred and a special Prayer for Healing. All events are free of charge, and will take place at the new Evergreen Conference Center at 119 West Chippewa Street. The public is cordially invited!

Many of our clients* depend on the ACS food pantry to get the nutrition they need to stay as healthy as possible. Popular items like peanut butter, jelly and juice are always the first to run out each month, so we're asking area schools to make a one month commitment to the new Peanut Butter Jelly Time program to help us keep these popular - and nutritious - items well stocked. Students will learn about community engagement and make a real difference in the lives of our clients. If you're interested, contact Liz at 332-2268 extension 371 or via email at lodell@aidscommunityservices.com.

* approximately 200 clients utilize the agency's food pantry on a monthly basis.

The Story of Generosity

Here's another excerpt from our 25th anniversary commemorative booklet.

The Story of Generosity by Kathy Oczek, Kate Gallivan & John Carocci

One of the greatest stories to come out of our 25 year history is the story of generosity. Thousands of Western New Yorkers have given their time, talents and money to help improve the lives of those in our community who struggle with AIDS. Even in the earliest days of the epidemic, when fear and ignorance were everywhere, there were brave individuals who ignored the prejudice and took action, becoming our first volunteers. Some had lost friends or family members to the disease, and contributed as a way of giving back. Others simply wanted to make a difference.

AIDS Community Services was founded by volunteers, and volunteers continue to be the backbone of the agency, assisting with everything from staffing our holiday gift wrap tables to making condom packets. They answer phones, deliver meals to clients, work at fundraising events and help educate the community about how to stay safe from HIV and AIDS. Since 1983, 2,942 people have volunteered 139,323 to AIDS Community Services, and those numbers grow daily. We depend on our dedicated volunteers to help us better serve those who come to us for help, and they've never let us down.

(read the complete story at the ACS website)

Statistic: in 1989, the Western New York Health Systems Agency estimated that as many as 6,000 Western New Yorkers were HIV+