OBSERVER Photo Warm Hands, Kind Hearts is an initiative by the Partners In Kind that offers used gloves, hats and socks to those in need.

Along Central Avenue, from about Sixth Street in Dunkirk to near the campus entrance in Fredonia are two sections of rope that resemble a clothesline. In between, are plastic bags that contain a hat, gloves or socks for winter, lotion and a message of hope and love to whoever needs these items.

It is a sign of a caring, but needy, community.

With the countdown to Christmas at 12 days away, volunteers and organizations are working diligently to ensure those facing some type of struggle will have reasons to smile and be grateful during this holy season. For a number of agencies, giving is a year-round mission — and it has to be. Chautauqua County is one of the poorest counties in New York state.

Our poverty rate is nearly 18%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The median income per household is about $44,304 annually — an underwhelming number to say the least.

Taking it one step further, the United Ways throughout New York state have put together information that takes into account an Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed population table — known by the acronym ALICE — that includes households that are receiving some form of assistance and also part of the work force.

According to these figures, 52% living in this county are struggling financially.

That is a crisis.

How are a few of the area non-profits helping others at Christmas? Here is a quick rundown:

¯ Chautauqua County Rural Ministry — Food and gift applications were accepted last week by the agency at 319 Washington Ave. in Dunkirk. Residents who would like to make a contribution to the holiday giving program are asked to drop off items at the city location or call 366-1787 for more details. A Christmas day meal is being offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its food pantry.

¯ Dunkirk-Fredonia Lions Club — The annual Breakfast with Santa event at the Clarion Hotel Marina & Conference Center was attended by 180 people, which included about 120 children. Many of those attending were from the city and received a morning meal, books and pillowcases.

¯ Salvation Army — It’s still an uphill climb for the Dunkirk location in terms of raising money. Through Wednesday, about $22,000 has been brought in through the annual Red Kettle campaign that has a goal of $50,000. All of these funds stay local, according to Maj. Chris Ramirez of the organization at 704 Central Ave.

“We are seeing 130 to 160 families a month,” she said in an e-mail this week. “They are increasingly Spanish speaking and increasingly from out of town. We have 212 total families signed up for food baskets and for toys for kids 12 and under this year.”

To volunteer or donate, call 366-3701. Of course, you may also pitch in through the kettle campaign at the Tops and Walmart locations.

¯ St. Gianna Pregnancy Center — This week, the Fredonia site sent out a call for one-piece snowsuits and children’s winter jackets. They also are accepting adult coats at the center, located at 32 Moore Ave. Call 401-3324 for more information.

¯ United Way of Northern Chautauqua County — Leading an agency that assists so many other non-profit entities, Adam Dolce understands the plight of many who live in our region. As executive director, Dolce saw an opportunity to help others and teamed with Melissa Pietrkowicz, who leads Partners In Kind, with its Warm Hands, Kind Hearts initiative that includes packets of items for warmth and dignity.

“We’ve put out thousands (of packets) since 2016,” Pietrkowicz said, noting other locations also in Houghton Park in Fredonia, Cassadaga, Sinclairville and near the YWCA in Westfield. “People don’t deserve to be cold.”

Partners In Kind is driven by volunteers and serves all segments of this community — from youth to the elderly as well as those who work and are homeless.

“Partners In Kind are the best versions of ourselves,” she said. “Our volunteers sacrifice time on weekends … to help others. … It is so beautiful.”

Dolce noted the line at the United Way at 626 Central Ave. was first placed during the week of Thanksgiving. During that holiday weekend, a line once filled had only a couple of bags remaining when the staff returned on Monday.

It was, without question, a reality check.

In addition to the packets of supplies, the United Way also has helped with the gift of warmth. This year, Dolce expects that the agency will be giving away 450 to 500 used winter coats that are in good condition.

Despite that number, he said there remains a waiting list. To assist or donate to the United Way, call 366-5424.

“It’s all about Christmas … and our community,” Dolce said.

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Happy holidays.

John D’Agostino is the OBSERVER publisher. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 366-3000, ext. 401.