Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, left, and National Grid's Senior Community Manager Mark Johnson distribute turkeys on Nov. 26. 

National Grid began spreading holiday cheer in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, when the company coordinated donations of turkeys and warm winter clothing across Western New York. We also lent our hands, expertise and equipment to decorate Kevin Guest House and erect a giant tree just down the road in downtown Buffalo.

On Nov. 21, National Grid employees were as busy as Santa’s elves as they volunteered at three events across Western New York:

* Among the events that day was supporting Operation Warm, a national initiative to distribute winter coats for those in need. National Grid provided funding to buy winter coats for an event coordinated by New York Assemblyman Jonathan Rivera. He did so in conjunction with Operation Warm, which in 2023 provided 650,000 coats and pairs of shoes across the U.S. and Canada. 

* For the 11^th straight year, National Grid crews strung energy efficient lights, hung wreaths and decorations at Kevin Guest House to make the holidays a little brighter for those who stay there. Located on Buffalo Medical Campus, Kevin Guest House has provided a home away from home for 65,000 patients and families who, since 1972, travel to Buffalo for critical medical care.

* National Grid crews erected a giant tree in Fountain Plaza, located in downtown Buffalo.

A few days later, on Nov. 26, National Grid bought 50 turkeys that were donated to lower-income families in collaboration with Dion’s Dreamers, a foundation established by Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins to provide mentorship and assistance to underserved communities. 

All of these events align with National Grid’s Project C, which was designed to support people and communities across New York with sustainability programs, neighborhood development projects, grants and more.