Submitted Photo Pictured is one of the baskets available in the third annual Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County Basket Raffle. Tickets are available through Dec. 17.

Things are coming together for the Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County’s third annual Holiday Basket Raffle.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and supporters, The Next Chapter Bookstore through the Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County has 18 gift baskets, valued between $75 and $300, available for its annual Holiday Basket Raffle fundraising event. Ticket sales run through Saturday, Dec. 17.

“It is wonderful that the community steps up to support literacy volunteers,” said Julie LaGrow, executive director of Literacy Volunteers.

LaGrow stated that 100 percent of the proceeds from the basket raffle will go toward literacy education services through Literacy Volunteers.

As part of an effort to increase the value of each basket this year, the 18 baskets feature items such as Buffalo Bisons tickets, Peek ‘n Peak ski lift tickets, a one-night stay at the Seneca Resort and Casino, a tool kit from Home Depot, spa packages, lottery tickets, gift cards, cash and more.

A sheet of 25 tickets costs $10, or three sheets cost $25. For in-store purchases, every sheet of raffle tickets bought also comes with a book for no extra charge. Winners will be drawn on Dec. 17 after the bookstore closes. All winners will be contacted via phone once the drawing is complete.

The baskets for this year’s event can be viewed online, where a link to purchase raffle tickets is also available, at www.lvccread.org.

Basket viewing and raffle tickets are also available in person at The Next Chapter Bookstore, located next door to the LVCC Education Center at 12 Park Place, Fredonia. The bookstore is open Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Next Chapter Bookstore is operated by Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County. The store features a variety of gently used books, including children’s books, fiction, non-fiction, history, politics, mystery, romance, and young adult books donated by members of the community. Most books are priced at $3 or less, with 100% of the proceeds from book sales – along with the annual raffle – directly funding literacy programs. It is LVCC’s belief that literacy should be accessible to all.

LVCC is also looking for volunteer tutors, board members, committee members and volunteers to help in the bookstore. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to inquire inside the store.

“It takes a village. We are so well-supported by the community, but we could always use more volunteers,” LaGrow said.