The fifth annual Jonathan D. Daniels, MD, Memorial School Drive: The Next Generation of Transformational Leaders is underway. The goal is to give away 300 filled backpacks to students in grades K-8.

Daniels, who was associate director of admissions at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and a 1998 graduate, died July 4, 2022 along with two of his adult daughters, Jordan and Jensen, in a fire at their North Buffalo home. He was a beloved member of the Buffalo and Jacobs School communities.

Before Daniels’ death, he had been working with his team in admissions on organizing a school supply drive to provide tools for success for children in underserved neighborhoods in Buffalo.

If you wish to donate, click here for the Amazon wish list. Donations ordered through Amazon will be delivered directly to the Jacobs School and will be accepted until July 1.

Amazon wish list donations that are purchased elsewhere can be dropped off in the bin near the Office of Medical Admissions, Room 1100, on the first floor of the Jacobs School. Please choose supplies from the Amazon wish list only.

The filled backpacks will be distributed to neighborhood students on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo. Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive a backpack.