UB School of Social Work to Assist with Holiday Party for Children and Adolescents with HIV/AIDS

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo School of Social Work will help to make the holidays just a little bit brighter for Western New York children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS as part of the PACT (Parents and Children Together) program's annual holiday gift-giving party at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec. 17) in Hamlin House, 432 Franklin St., Buffalo.

The party is the 10th organized by volunteers from UB's School of Social Work. Gift delivery and gift wrapping will begin at 11 a.m. in Hamlin House.

"I have worked with HIV/AIDS since 1986, and what hits me every year through this event is that the need only grows," says Denise Krause, associate dean for community engagement and clinical associate professor of social work. "The face of children with HIV/AIDS in Western New York is overwhelmingly a face of color and poverty.

"The holiday party is a small gesture to connect spirits and to put a face on a problem most would like not to think about," she said.

The School of Social Work tradition began a decade ago to honor the memory of Amy Jo Kutzbach and her son, Dylan, both of whom died in the 1990s. Amy Jo was a Buffalo resident who spoke to young people about heterosexual transmission of the disease.

"The School of Social World helps to honor Amy and Dylan's memory by its tangible service," Krause said. "While it is a lot of work, it is also plenty of fun."

Krause said she expects about 100 families and more than 300 children to benefit from the event. There will be about 20 volunteers from the UB School of Social Work present and double that who have worked behind the scenes to make the event happen. Gifts are donated by UB faculty members, students and staff, as well as community groups: Frontier High School, radio stations, local business and private individuals have held fund-raising parties to benefit the program.

The party includes a meal donated by Taco Bell, a craft activity for the children, a photo with Santa and gift distribution.

PACT is the only clinic for children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS in Western New York. Families served by the clinic, which is part of Women and Children's Hospital, typically have needs beyond those associated with the medical conditions.