Providing Funds for Haiti Emergency

At TBSMC we are committed to combating bullying and promoting safety among young people. Recently, we conducted a comprehensive workshop at Robinson Middle School covering vital topics such as “What To Do When Stopped By Police,” bullying prevention, and emergency preparedness. 

During the session, students engaged in discussions about bullying, sharing personal experiences and insights. We emphasized the harmful effects of bullying and provided practical strategies for both victims and bystanders. 

Additionally, we addressed the importance of knowing how to handle police encounters responsibly and discussed emergency preparedness measures. Following the workshop, students had the opportunity to explore our iconic “Iron Ponies” and ask questions, allowing us to further emphasize the importance of education and future planning.

Through these workshops, we aim to empower students to navigate challenging situations confidently while reinforcing the value of education and community engagement.

To combat bullying, TBSMC hosted the “What To Do When Stopped By Police” workshop at Martin Luther King Boy’s Academy in Toledo as part of the Annual Youth Symposium by the Lota Theta Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Collaborating with students from Toledo Public School’s YMOE and YWOE programs at Scott High School, we emphasized peer-led learning.

The workshop focused on the two C’s: “Comply now, Complain later.” Through interactive role-playing exercises, students took on various roles, facilitating a dynamic learning experience. Key topics included hand placement during encounters, effective communication with officers, and protocols for a safe stop. 

Toledo Police Officers provided valuable assistance and shared crucial tips. Educational videos reinforced the importance of compliance. Overall, the workshop provided practical guidance for responsible interactions with law enforcement in a supportive environment. 

In our ongoing commitment to community service, TBSMC recently organized a memorable outing for a group of young people at Tim Sherman’s Horse Farm. Tim, the owner of Signature Harley and Toledo Harley Davidson Dealerships, graciously hosted the event, providing educational sessions on horse care and ownership. 

A delicious lunch courtesy of Jamal’s Cute Signs, another valued business partner, further enriched the day’s activities. This event exemplified meaningful community engagement, offering educational opportunities and enjoyable experiences for our young participants. We thank Tim Sherman and Jamal’s Cute Signs for their generous support in making the event possible. 

Belts play a significant role in students’ self-esteem,” stated the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers as they generously donated 100 new belts to the Martin Luther King’s Boy’s Academy. A belt is an integral component of a polished outfit when wearing pants with belt loops. Witnessing the boys’ delighted expressions as they received their belts was a heartwarming sight, enhancing their self-esteem and instilling a sense of pride. 

Joining forces for our annual community service initiative, we teamed up with A-1 Bonding to organize a special event: the Back-to-School Book Bag Giveaway. Together, we distributed school book bags and essential supplies to local grade and middle school students, ensuring they were well-prepared for the academic year ahead. The day was filled with excitement as children enjoyed the festivities, topped off with delicious pizza for all attendees. 

This year, TBSMC conducted Operation TV, delivering 33 televisions to two shelters in Toledo. Key Hotel and Property Management generously donated the televisions, facilitating our mission to support the community. Specifically, 17 televisions were provided to the YMCA Battered Women Shelter, while 16 were delivered to the Family House Crisis Center.

Our collaboration extended to the Young Men of Excellence (YMOE) and the Young Women of Excellence (YWOE) students from Scott High School, enriching the experience with a strong community service focus.

We extend our gratitude to Mark Mylek, the General Manager at U-Hall, for his partnership, which ensured the safe transportation of the televisions. Mark’s donation of a hand truck and protective covering was invaluable to our efforts.

As a final touch, we installed a 65-inch Smart Flat Screen TV in the YMCA Battered Women Shelter community room, enhancing the residents’ access to entertainment and educational content. This initiative reflects our commitment to serving and uplifting our community.

In solidarity with the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan, TBSMC teamed up with 1370 WSPD Radio personality Fred LeFebvre, TV 11, various local media networks, and our partner and host, the Appliance Center. Together, we launched a collaborative initiative to raise funds and gather fresh drinking water for the affected residents. 

The City of Flint has suffered months of water contamination and has been unable to access safe drinking water. No immediate resolution was in sight as the crisis escalated to epidemic proportions. During our event, we successfully collected enough cases of water to fill three 53-ft. semi-tractor trailers. 

Let us continue to keep Flint in our hearts and minds, offering support wherever possible during this challenging time. 

At TBSMC, we had a wonderful evening on October 18, 2016, at Westbrook Senior Village in Toledo. We were graciously invited to share insights into the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, our mission, and personal safety tips with the residents. 

During our presentation, we emphasized safety measures such as walking in pairs in public spaces, staying vigilant while shopping, and strategies to avoid becoming a victim. We also distributed American Whistle whistles in Columbus, Ohio, highlighting their importance as a safety tool and demonstrating how to use keys defensively. 

Additionally, we introduced the Homeland Security program “Preparing Makes Sense,” which provided valuable information on disaster preparedness, including assembling emergency kits, preparing pets for emergencies, and considerations for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The seniors were enthusiastic about these programs and found them immensely beneficial.

To conclude the event, we awarded a lucky attendee an emergency first aid kit as a door prize, further emphasizing the importance of preparedness. It was a rewarding experience for all involved, reaffirming our commitment as Buffalo Soldiers to empower communities and keep the spirit of the American Dream alive. 

This year, we proudly contributed $1,000.00 to the Wounded Warrior Amputee Project and sponsored 25 children from the Wayman Palmer YMCA to attend the Wounded Warrior Amputee Baseball game at 5th 3rd Field. Additionally, we actively participated in the parade as part of our commitment to this annual support event. 

The “What to Do When Stopped by Police” community forum workshop was recently held at the Quality Inn and Suites Conference room, situated at 1935 Cleveland Rd. in Sandusky, Ohio. This event was sponsored by the Sandusky City Police Department and the Erie County Sheriff, and it was met with great success.

On August 2, 2014, Toledo, Ohio, and its neighboring communities faced a severe water crisis affecting over 400,000 residents due to elevated toxin levels in the water supply. This crisis persisted for nearly a week before the drinking water ban was lifted. 

If you have any questions or concerns about our past events, get in touch with us today. We are looking forward to hearing from you!