In a heartwarming initiative that extends beyond the rink, the Nichols Hockey Program collected and gifted a significant donation of thousands of LEGO bricks to rural communities with a donation to The Rural Outreach Center (The ROC). This contribution aims to inspire creativity and provide endless hours of imaginative play for children who might otherwise lack access to such resources.
In partnership with the Maria Love Fund Days of Love program, Western New York high schools are paired directly with a local agency in order to gather items throughout the month of October. The campaign will culminate in a “Day of Love” in October for each school where the donated items will be organized and delivered to the charitable organization. This initiative also reflects the team’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game, and the Maria Love Fund’s dedication to our entire community while supporting the development of young minds.
“We are thrilled to be able to share our passion for creativity and teamwork with children in rural areas,” said Coach RJ Gicewicz of the Nichols Hockey Program. “We hope these LEGO bricks will spark imagination and provide a fun, educational outlet for kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the joy of building and creating.”
The donation comes as part of the team’s broader community outreach program which seeks to support various charitable causes and give back to the communities that have supported them. By focusing on the importance of play and creativity, the team hopes to inspire children to dream and pursue their passions.
Monique Brannon, COO of The ROC, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the children receiving services at The ROC. “This is an incredible gift for children in our Kids ROC Experiences. LEGO bricks are not just toys, they are tools that can help kids develop problem-solving skills, foster teamwork and encourage creative thinking. It also shows rural children that there are many people in the WNY community that care about them.”
The ROC invites fans and community members to join in celebrating this initiative and to support their ongoing efforts to make a difference. For more information about the Maria Love Fund and to learn how you can get involved, please visit https://marialovefund.org/events/. For information regarding Nichols Hockey, please contact
RJ********@ni***********.org
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The ROC, located at 730 Olean Road in East Aurora, assists, empowers and elevates the impoverished rural populations in southern Erie County and surrounding areas. The organization’s staff and volunteers serve with compassion, empathy and respect for all people. For children, The ROC’s goal is to break the cycle of multi-generational poverty by providing counseling, play therapy, educational opportunities and growth experiences. For more information on the good work being done every day by The Rural Outreach Center, please visit http://theroc.co or call (716) 240-2220. You can also follow the organization on Facebook for frequent updates.
