Annual charity marks two decades of joy, touching the lives of thousands of local, underprivileged children

On Thursday, November 13th, the Little Match Girl Foundation will officially launch its 20th-anniversary Buffalo Wishes holiday fundraising event at W XYZ Bar (500 Pearl St., Buffalo, NY).

Since 2005, Buffalo Wishes has collected, wrapped, and delivered gifts that fulfill under-resourced students’ wish lists. Each October, students at Enterprise Charter School share their wishes and needs lists with the Little Match Girl team, and then the City of Good Neighbors gets to work. Community members select wish lists online and sponsor students, typically spending $75 to $100 per child, and often more.

“When starting our charity work from my home all those years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the impact that we would make on so many lives,” attorney Brian R. Biggie said, “and I remember collecting gifts and storing them in my garage!” Mr. Biggie launched the Buffalo Wishes program in 2005 and formed Little Match Girl Ltd. in 2014. “Nowadays, the gifts that come in could never be held in my garage. We live in such a generous community and that generosity is even more impactful and resonant during these trying times.” Mr. Biggie continues, “We’re so grateful for the continued community support…and for our new launch event hosts at 500 Pearl and the W XYZ Bar!”

Volunteers from the Little Match Girl Foundation will wrap the gifts and deliver them to the students in time for the holidays. And, this season, unwrapped gifts will be accepted through December 8th at:

  • Enterprise Charter School (275 Oak St., Buffalo, NY)
  • Aleron Group (250 International Dr., Williamsville, NY)

Buffalo Wishes Kickoff

Thursday, November 13th
6 – 8 pm
512 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

Each tax-deductible, $40 ticket purchase includes one free beer/wine voucher and appetizers, and they can be purchased here or at the door. Attendees are also invited to participate in our annual raffle, with prizes this year including a Josh Allen-signed helmet, a hockey stick signed by all of the Sabres, a New Era Bills commemorative varsity jacket, and so much more!

Note that all proceeds collected at this event will support the Buffalo Wishes campaign, which employs the funds for gift wrapping supplies, as well as additional gifts, school supplies, and clothing for the children. Parties unable to attend the kickoff event can still sponsor students or support the cause by donating here.

Finally, on our twentieth anniversary, we are very grateful to the sponsors who have already rallied behind our cause in 2025, including ACV, Erie County Sheriff John Garcia, John & Vicki Jewett, Cypress North, Derrick Corporation, Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center, and the Kenmore Volunteer Fire Department!

About The Little Match Girl Foundation
The Little Match Girl Foundation Ltd. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the principle that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, wonder, and optimism of youth that many of us take for granted. Inspired by the classic Hans Christian Andersen short story of the same name, the Little Match Girl Foundation focuses on helping those children most in need by collecting and providing them with school supplies, essential seasonal items, holiday gifts, and other donations in collaboration with their schools and other community organizations.

Founded in Buffalo, New York, the organization’s roots trace back to an annual holiday gift-giving program begun in 2005.