By Rose S. Prinzi
This year marks the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation’s 30th Thanksgiving celebration.
We are thankful for you, the generous donors, who, over time, have made it possible for the Community Foundation to be able to assist worthy charitable organizations. This season is symbolic of the giving and receiving that happens all year-long at the Community Foundation.
As the season approaches, thoughts of fellowship, family and food become priorities in our lives. However, rising food prices and proposed increases in the cost of heating our homes this winter may force many local families to make lifestyle changes. For the most part, many of us are in a position to overcome these challenges and celebrate the upcoming holidays. Conversely, there is a significantly growing segment of our region’s population that cannot stretch its dollars any further.
As we get closer to the holidays, requests for increased assistance from our local shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens are growing. On a day-to-day basis, the call for help is answered by generous local donors like you. However, recently a request from the Food Bank of Western New York caused the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to consider accommodating a change in the County’s food distribution site.
The Food Bank of Western New York receives donations of food at their Buffalo facility. Food is distributed to Niagara, Erie, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties’ Member Agencies. The agencies include: Adult day cares, child day cares, food pantries, group homes, kids cafes, religious group homes, special pantries, snack programs, soup kitchens, shelters and summer camps. People served include: Homeless, physically disabled, working poor, unemployed and developmentally disabled.
Unexpectedly, the Western New York Food Bank made a much needed change of the food distribution site from Dunkirk to Jamestown. The Jamestown distribution site presently serves 57 programs. The site, located at the Gateway Center on Water Street, seemingly was a logical location. An agreement was struck, and the distribution site was established. However, there was a serious problem – there was no freezer. The Food Bank of Western New York lacked the funds for the purchase and installation of a freezer. Where would they store the large amount of turkeys and food for the holiday season? Following quick action by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, a 12’x 12’ x 8’ freezer was installed at the site. Just in time for the turkeys!
Frozen turkeys aside, we are also thankful that we can support local not-for-profit organizations like Fenton History Center, Jamestown Boys & Girls Club, Reg Lenna Civic Center, Lucile M. Wright Air Museum and our furry friends residing at the Chautauqua County Humane Society. We, too, are grateful for the unique funds available which allow us to assist local churches.
The Foundation would not be able to provide for the Chautauqua region without community support. So, from the Board of Directors and staff, we thank you today, tomorrow, and every day for embracing the spirit of Thanksgiving all year-round.