Christmastime is always special at the Response to Love Center in Buffalo, and this year will be no different. Director Sister Johnice Rzadkiewicz, CSSF, is especially tuned in to what people need through prayer, and believes that her mission is to go where God is leading her. For the last few years, the focus has been on the specific needs of locals.

In the past, the center has had diaper drives, and last year they collected pillows and pillow cases. This year, Sister Johnice is responding to needs with a drive to provide a new towel, washcloth and soap, calling it "Wrapped in Towels of Love."

Western New Yorkers can participate in several different ways. They may bring three unused bath towels, or a set of bath towel, hand towel and washcloth, to the Response to Love Center, at 130 Kosciuszko St. The center is open from 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays until Thursdays, or by calling 716-894-7030 to make arrangements.

Additionally, St. Christopher Parish, on Niagara Falls Boulevard in the Town of Tonawanda, will collect towels during Mass on the weekend of Dec. 9 and 10, while St. Stephen Parish on Grand Island will do the same on Dec. 16 and 17.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 16, there will also be a towel collection held in front of Dick's Sporting Goods at the Walden Galleria Mall, on the second floor of the store.

The center's supporters have, in the past, been generous with these efforts because they have also seen the need with Sister Johnice's guidance. "Sometimes, the simple things many of us take for granted are so much more important to people in need. Please consider helping us provide these simple things to the people we serve," said Sister Johnice.

Additionally, there will be a combination fundraiser and towel drive at the Flying Bison Brewery, 840 Seneca St., on Friday, Dec. 1, from 4-8 p.m. Participants may bring three unused bath towels, or a set of a bath towel, hand towel and washcloth, to receive five tickets to a basket raffle with sporting event tickets, theater tickets and items from local merchants.

Participants will receive their first pint for only $2, with the opportunity to purchase a raffle ticket for a special Response to Love quilt made by the River Lea Quilting Guild on Grand Island. Babcia's Pierogis will have delicious food available.

To participate in this drive or for further information, contact Rich Gurbacki at 716-361-1145, or email atbaxes.58@yahoo.com. Please write "Towels" in the subject line.