How will you give back this year?
As we approach the upcoming holiday season, we are partnering with local organizations and businesses to share giving opportunities in our community.
From traditional charitable giving and buying local, to finding new ways to say THANK YOU and spreading holiday cheer, there is something for all ages and giving levels.
Here are just a few examples of ways you can give back this year. If you don’t see your favorite organization or cause listed, reach out to them and ask how you can help!
If you would like to support the community’s greatest needs, consider making a donation to the Community Foundation’s Fund for the Region.
Animal Welfare
The Chautauqua County Humane Society is currently in need of items for its Pet Pantry, as well as, cleaning supplies for its facilities. Click here for a detailed Wish List, including items that individuals can make for the animals!
Other animal welfare organizations in our community you can support include:
- Lakeshore Humane Society selling raffle tickets for a TREK 3500 Trail bike and $100 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card
- New Leash on Life in need of paper towels and kitty litter
- Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue selling raffle tickets for a YETI Roadie 24 Cooler with goodies
- Westfield Stray Cat Rescue
Community Support
There are also organizations in our community that work directly with individuals in need. UCAN City Mission provides adult men a safe place to live while breaking the cycle of crime, substance use and poverty. Currently, their residence is in need of personal hygiene items. A complete list can be found here.
Other organizations you can support include:
Food Security
This year, the Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County is collecting various food items throughout the month of December to distribute to families in need. Click here for the list of items being collected.
In addition to food pantries located in many churches throughout the Chautauqua region, here are a few other examples of organizations you can support:
- 5 Loaves and 2 Fish Ministry
- Feedmore WNY
- Meals on Wheels Jamestown – Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 56, Jamestown NY 14702
- Salvation Army of Jamestown support the virtual Red Kettle Campaign
- St. Susan Center – Click here for the organization’s most current needs
Shop Local
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce recently launched Shop Local CHQ where you can shop and buy items from local businesses, all with the click of a button!
If you do happen to do some shopping on Amazon this season, use AmazonSmile to direct a portion of your purchase to your favorite local charity!
Spread Holiday Cheer!
Consider the many individuals who are unable to spend the holidays with their loved ones and send holiday cards to residents in assisted living, first responders and essential workers, and members of our military.
The Blue Star Mothers Lake Erie NY 4 is currently collected cards, toiletries and special treats to send holiday care packages to local men in women in the service. Click here for a complete list of items to be collected.
Other examples of organizations you can reach out to to spread some holiday cheer include:
Youth Development
In addition to providing educational programming for nature lovers of all ages, the Audubon Community Nature Center is currently hosting a winter clothing drive, collecting new and gently used coats, snow pants, boots, mittens, gloves and scarves for children and adults.
Other youth organizations in our community you could support include:
- Jamestown Community Learning Council
- The Relief Zone – selling memorial trees, as well as, tickets for a “Let’s Stay Home” raffle
- Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club hosting a virtual holiday raffle
- YMCA of Jamestown
- YWCA of Jamestown selling tickets for its annual Cold, Cash Raffle
