“In a time of uncertainty and crisis, we believe that there is a lot of good in our community that is happening by groups and individuals that should be known,” said Mike Bird, regional publisher of The Post-Journal, Dunkirk Observer and Warren Times Observer. “Our newspapers are in a unique position, to be able to identify these groups and individuals and celebrate their efforts.”

Ashley Carroll recognized Lisa Forbes for her dedication to community by inspiring her students.

Forbes, a Fredonia Middle School fifth grade teacher, is the co-advisor for Service Learning Club, an after-school club of fifth through eighth grade students who meet weekly to brainstorm ways to give back to their community.

“Mrs. Forbes encourages every one of her students to participate because she sees that there is something powerful in giving back and making a difference and learning through giving,” Carroll wrote in her submission.

Melissa Pietrkiewicz, right, during last year’s Thanksgiving Heroes Dinner.

According to Forbes, now more than ever it’s critical for children to be educated about and involved in what is happening in their community, the country and the world.

“Children are no longer seen and not heard,” Forbes said. “This is their future, happening now, and I’m elated an honored to be involved in a small part of making eventual adults out of the children I spend time with.”

William and Heather Schneider are teachers at Panama Central School, recognized by Pamela Warner for their efforts to supplement student lunches with enough food for the weekends and holidays.

According to Warner, students look forward to receiving their “special bags” on Fridays. While the Schneiders initially funded these bags themselves, the community has donated money and food that allows them to pack bags for nearly 80 local families.

Cathie Kujawa recognized Denise Berry for going out of her way to spread kindness, love and compassion throughout the community.

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, Berry, the owner of Cupcake Berry in Fredonia, has delivered cupcakes to local essential businesses to thank healthcare workers, first responders, and retail workers.

“Denise is the definition of what is good in this community with a heart big enough for all people to experience it,” Kujawa wrote.

Finally, Tammy Bankoski recognized Melissa Pietrkiewicz for her dedication to promoting random acts of kindness throughout Chautauqua County.

Pietrkiewicz, a social worker for BOCES, voluntarily heads Partners in Kind of Chautauqua County, a grassroots organization that serves groups and individuals in need.

According to Bankoski, some of the efforts Pietrkiewicz has led include a hat and glove drive during the winter months, a traveling pantry to collect non-perishable food and hygiene items, as well as, special holiday events for children and their caregivers who have experienced grief and trauma.

“What Melissa does is a true labor of love,” Bankoski wrote. “Her mantra is, if you make people feel loved, accepted and secure, they will do great things.

As part of this recognition, the Chautauqua Region and Northern Chautauqua Community Foundations will make donations in honor of these individuals to local nonprofit organizations of their choice.

“Throughout Give Big CHQ, we’ve celebrated the incredible work of our nonprofits, the local businesses who continue to support our community, and now, with the support of our local newspapers, we’re able to celebrate a few of the people who make our community special,” said Tory Irgang, CRCF executive director.

From June 1-11, this year’s online fundraising event generated $348,703 from 2,475 donors to support the missions of 96 local organizations.

To see all the results of Give Big CHQ 2020, visit givebigchq.org or follow Give Big CHQ on Facebook.