Tops introduces premium sponge candy, 'PUNTczki,' to support P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative

Just in time for Lent

Tops Friendly Markets Press Release & Graphic

Tops Friendly Markets is proud to announce the launch of a premium sponge candy paczki, or “PUNTczki,” a limited-time bakery item available just in time for the Lenten season.

Even sweeter than its decadent chocolate glaze and creamy sponge candy flavored filling is its purpose: Every purchase helps support the P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families.

This indulgent paczki features a rich, chocolate-glazed exterior and is filled with smooth sponge candy buttercream and is topped with a piece of sponge candy. Sold in a convenient four-pack, the premium sponge candy paczki offers customers a meaningful way to celebrate a beloved pre-Lent tradition while giving back to the community.

“Paczki season is all about tradition, indulgence, and coming together,” said Kathy Sautter, director of corporate communications and public relations for Tops. “By partnering with P.U.N.T., we’re turning a cherished seasonal treat into an opportunity to make a real difference for children and families facing pediatric cancer.”

P.U.N.T. (Perseverance Understanding Need and Teamwork) Pediatric Cancer Collaborative provides financial assistance, emotional support, and critical resources to families navigating childhood cancer. Funds raised through this partnership will help support programs that directly impact families in Western New York.

"We are so grateful to Tops for transforming a beloved dessert tradition into a meaningful way to stand behind families in our region facing pediatric cancer," said Gwen Mysiak, executive director of P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative. "Taking a sweet treat way 'outside the box' to make a difference is a true reflection of their commitment to being a force for good in the community. ‘PUNTczkis’ are the sweetest gesture of help and hope for families facing the toughest of circumstances."

The premium sponge candy “PUNTczki” will be available for a limited time at participating Tops locations while supplies last.

Headquartered in Williamsville, Tops Markets operates a robust network of 151 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location in Lewiston. It is one of Western New York’s largest employers, with over 14,000 associates across its entire footprint. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.

P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides families in Western New York facing pediatric cancer with programs that offer financial, practical and emotional support from diagnosis to recovery and grief support. P.U.N.T. operates in collaboration with community hospital partners to ensure that every dollar raised gets channeled where it is most needed. Last April, P.U.N.T. established WNY Compassion Connection: A Center for Grieving Children and Families for any origin of loss to meet a major community need as a monumental expansion of its bereavement program.