12 hours Ago
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A woman in Western New York would probably tell you she doesn't need any recognition for the good work she does.
But her friends, family and even Hyundai would probably disagree. What started out as a dream for Cheryl Flick has grown each and every year since the WNY Foster Closet was formed. Cheryl Flick is the founder of the WNY Foster Closet .
"I'm passionate just seeing the families that come in and how we help them every week," she said. "Now you come in and anytime we're here and there's a family here or there's seven or eight families." The nonprofit is focused on providing clothes , toys, and hygiene products and more to those in need.
The foster closet is 100% donation based. One speaker said, "Every child who in a situation removed from their Family and foster care can basically come here and shop for free for anything they need." The mission to help others is personal for Flick's family.
"My husband and I we fostered for about nine years. We had 15 kids come through our home who pretty much all came with nothing or little or it was un wearable. Situations like that just drove me to start the closet and keep it going also," Flick said.
Her kindness has become visible throughout the community. Other people have noticed including her mom's co-worker. She nominated her for the Hyundai Salute to Heroes program's contest .
It's been done in Buffalo for three years now. Flick was selected as the winner. She received a new car.
"I can't believe that I was gifted a car for doing something that that I love doing so I'm very grateful," she said. Mark Delaney is the Eastern Region Merchandising Manager for Hyundai. He explained why Flick was selected.
"It's just some of the things she's done with foster children and the store. It's grown to such a community effort," he said. The program recognizes those who make a a difference.
Flick said she can't do what she does alone. "I don't like the spotlight. Without the other volunteers, there would be no closet because I can't do this alone.
I am just one of a whole board of people and a group of people that make this possible," Flick said. WNY Foster Closet is located at 3701 McKinley Pkwy in Blasdell. They're always accepting donations.
Here's a list from their website on what they accept.
