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Congressman Paul Tonko visited several community organizations on Sunday, volunteering to help raise funds for a local family and serving Super Bowl Sunday meals to those in need. Congressman Tonko chose to forego the Super Bowl events he attends each year with friends and family to instead focus his energies on reaching out to the community.

“The Super Bowl is a uniquely American event which is more than just a football game – it’s also about spending time together with family and friends,” said Congressman Tonko. “But it’s also an important time to remember our neighbors in the community who are suffering in large part due to the tough economy. Record numbers of our neighbors are seeking help from local service organizations, and it’s up to all of us to give back to our communities by helping in any way we can. The efforts made by so many staff and volunteers at programs that serve those who are in the midst of tremendous struggle and most importantly, those who endure the struggle, are the super heroes in our society.”

Congressman Tonko helped serve soup at a fundraiser for Sean and Sarah Lawton at the Cobleskill Firehouse. Sarah Lawton suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident last December and the family needs assistance with expensive medical bills resulting from that accident. The Congressman also helped prepare and serve dinner at the Capital City Rescue Mission and at the City Mission in Schenectady.

“While we are all rooting for those perceived to be the strongest amongst us, it is important to remember those who have been weakened by unemployment, hunger, and homelessness,” added Congressman Tonko. “We can all be heroes to these people in our community by donating our time and attention to help them get back on their feet.”

Local community service organizations say they have seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking assistance over the past year because of the down economy. That trend has intensified in recent weeks because of the severe winter weather.

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