Join in to celebrate Matthew’s birthday and bring a “Plus One” with you to give blood and help patients in need celebrate more birthdays with their loved ones. The event includes a t-shirt sale and basket raffle with all proceeds for the Matthew Kota Scholarship Fund for students at Notre Dame High School and Byron-Bergen Jr./ Sr. High School. 

At a very young age, Matthew Kota, of Byron, knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up - a doctor. But sadly, his dreams were cut short. In memory of Matthew for his birthday, the Batavia community and surrounding areas are encouraged to give the gift of life and donate blood at the largest annual American Red Cross blood drive in Genesee County on Saturday, Jan. 27, at Northgate Church South Campus in Batavia. 

“Matthew never waited for anything to happen, he made things happen,” said Jason Kota, Matthew’s father. “He was truly one of a kind and I’ve yet to meet anyone else on this earth like him.” Matthew, the eldest of four children, was just 17 years old when he passed away in 2008 from complications of brain surgery.

Matthew enjoyed the outdoors and had a smile that would light up a room, but it was his humanitarian spirit that friends and family say was contagious. Matthew had a desire to help people, and that’s one of the reasons why he became a blood donor and volunteered with the Red Cross. He had hoped to join the Gallon Donor Club and even though he did not achieve that goal, his family and friends are now carrying out his wishes by holding blood drives in his memory. He was posthumously awarded the 10-gallon milestone from donors on his behalf in 2021. “Matthew was our son, a friend, leader and now our Angel,” Jason Kota said. 

Family and friends say hosting this blood drive is a unique way to memorialize what Matthew stood for - helping others. They are now giving back by turning their heartbreak into hope for other families in need. At this point, the Kota family has now collected 906 units - and counting - in their 15 years of hosting the blood drive. 

How to Sign Up

Schedule your appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code bataviany or zipcode 14020.  Walk-ins are welcome around appointments. 

 Donate at the 16th Matthew Kota Memorial Blood Drive on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northgate Church South Campus – Community Room located at 350 Bank St. Batavia.

Sharing this, she said, "would help save lives."

"The Red Cross is the only blood bank to supply blood to 100 percent of WNY hospitals," she said. "There are more recipients in need than donors, so we are constantly seeking new blood donors."

The Red Cross is also seeking volunteers to help with blood drive registration, promotion, and the canteen. Any one interested in volunteering can call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Walk-ins at blood drives are welcome, or donors can save time and book an appointment by clicking here.

Local blood drives:

• Tuesday, June 28, American Legion, Batavia, 8960 Alexander Road, 2 to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 29, St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main St., Batavia, 1 to 6 p.m.
• Friday, July 8, Social Services Building, 5130 East Main Street Road, Batavia, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Thursday, July 14, St. Maximilian, 2707 Angling Road, East Pembroke,  1 to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 19, First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, 2 to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, July 23, Stafford Fire Department, 6153 Main Road, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

UPDATE: Additional time and location: Village Fitness, July 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In collaboration with the American Red Cross, Batavia Community Schools is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Thursday, December 30, 2021, from 9 AM-2 PM at Robert Morris Multi-Purpose Room, 80 Union Street, Batavia. 
 

Click here to schedule an appointment, or call the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. Appointments are still available. 

 

As of August 9, American Red Cross requires that all individuals at blood drives wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status.

A 2014 graduate of Pavilion High School where he graduated 4th from his class, Buddy was a member of the National Honor Society. He loved traveling and following his high school graduation he took an eleven day European vacation where he fell in love with the country of Switzerland. An accomplished wrestler throughout high school, Buddy began wrestling at the age of 6. He served as a mentor to many younger wrestlers and volunteered much of his time to ensure their success. He was a student at Genesee Community College with the aspirations to transfer to Monroe Community College to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. A member of Genesee County 4-H and the NIOGA Holstein Club. He enjoyed trading sports cards, playing fantasy football, and loved listening to music. 

Throughout all of his treatment he never once complained and was always the epitome of grace, hope, and most of all kindness. 

To know Buddy was to understand what it meant to be the bigger person and to always remain true to 

who you are regardless of the circumstances. Buddy was diagnosed with 4^th stage Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2015 just before his 18^th birthday he was determined to beat it and went into a 54-week treatment plan with a tenacity that left many in admiration. Buddy, unfortunately, lost his battle on November 15, 2016.  As his Mom, I am so proud of the young man he was and I always say he made me a better person. This blood drive is to honor the strength and memory of a truly amazing young man who touched so many lives in his short lifetime. 

According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. All blood types are needed.

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

The entire community is invited to join the family and friends of Buddy Oderkirk to help save lives by donating blood through the American Red Cross on August 19, 2021, from 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. at The American Legion 53 West Main Street Le Roy, NY 14482 in his memory.

A 2014 graduate of Pavilion High School where he graduated 4th from his class, Buddy was a member of National Honor Society. He loved traveling and following his high school graduation he took an eleven day European vacation where he fell in love with the country of Switzerland. An accomplished wrestler throughout high school, Buddy began wrestling at the age of 6. He served as a mentor to many younger wrestlers and volunteered much of his time to ensure their success. He was a student at Genesee Community College with the aspirations to transfer to Monroe Community College to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. A member of Genesee County 4-H and the NIOGA Holstein Club. He enjoyed trading sports cards, playing fantasy football, and loved listening to music. 

Through out all of his treatment he never once complained and was always the epitome of grace, hope and most of all kindness. 

To know Buddy was to understand what it meant to be the bigger person and to always remain true to 

who you are regardless of the circumstances. Buddy was diagnosed with 4th stage Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2015 just before his 18th birthday he was determined to beat it and went into a 54 week treatment  plan with a tenacity that left many in admiration. Buddy, unfortunately, lost his battle on November 15, 2016.  As his Mom I am so proud of the young man he was and I always say the he made me a better person. This blood drive is to honor the strength and memory of a truly amazing young man who touched so many lives in his short lifetime. 

According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. All blood types are needed.

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is sponsoring a blood drive to take place this Monday, March 1, from 2-7 p.m. at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel.

The blood drive is also being cosponsored by Connect Life. Paula’s Donuts will also be donating coupons for a free donut to those who make a donation. Those over the age of 18 can call (716) 529-4270 to make an appointment or go to connectlifegiveblood.org using sponsor code 004006.

“In this time of great need, I am hopeful we will see a great turnout of people at this blood drive, and save many lives with these crucial donations,” Hawley said. “If people haven’t given blood yet, I’d tell them there’s no better time than to start now, because in the challenging times we’re living in today that hour or so of time could be the difference between life or death for one of our neighbors.”

WHO: Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Connect Life

WHAT: Blood Drive

WHEN: Monday, March 1 from 2-7 p.m.

WHERE: Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, 8315 Park Road, Batavia

We are having a BBQ with the finest premium chicken on Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Stafford Fire Hall, 6153 Main Road. Starts at 11 a.m. until sold out.

The BBQ meal is $12 and includes a half chicken, salt potatoes, applesauce, cookie and roll.

Presales tickets are available. Email:  bbq@staffordvfd.org

Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing guidleiness must be followed.

We are having an empty can & bottle collection to benefit the Madison Grace Memorial Fund, too. (The empties are being redeemed at Mickel's Nickels.)

The American Red Cross will be doing a blood drive at the fire hall also.

The flea market we had planned is postponed due to COVID-19.

The Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis Club is holding their 13^th Annual Car Cruise and Fall Festival on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Pembroke Town Park on Route 77 (next to the high school). Rain or shine!

There will be music, a variety of vendors, food trucks, basket raffle and grilled lunch by Crossroads House, and lots 'n' lots of CLASSIC CARS!

This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a free Kid’s Car Cruise for ages 8 and under from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cruise registration starts at 9 a.m.

The preregistration fee is $10 per car; $15 day of the cruise. Proceeds benefit PCD Kiwanis Kids Projects in our community.

Unique dash plaques and goody bags are guaranteed for the first 100 cars.

Participants vote and trophies are awarded at 3 p.m.

For Cruise info, call John at (716) 937-9918, or email him at drogicd@gmail.com.

*Vehicle owner assumes liability for vehicle damage.*

To preregister, make your check payable to PCD Kiwanis Club, and mail to:

• PCD Kiwanis Club, Attn: Car Cruise Registration, 470 Sumner Road, Corfu, NY 14036

Please include on a piece of paper: your name, address, city, state, Zip Code, phone number, email address, and the year/ make/ model of your vehicle. You may also download a car registration form or vendor application form on their website:www.pcdkiwanis.com.

For vendor information, please call Penny at (585) 356-3413 or email her atpcdkiwanis@gmail.com.

Masks will be required at this event, social-distancing protocol will be in place, and there will be hand-sanitizing stations throughout the park.

There will also be a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (masks required). Preregistration is required and information can be found at www.connectlife.org. This is an organization that keeps blood donations local; one donation can save up to three patients at Western New York hospitals.

We hope you’ll come on out to the park on the 20^th. It will be a great day!

To schedule an appointment go online here and enter sponsor code 000489; or call Unyts at (716) 512-7940.

A photo ID is required to donate blood.