Lakeshore Street Rod Association collected toys from our members at its annual Christmas party to donate to the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry. Members are pictured with Bridget Majka, executive director.

As inflation continues its seemingly unending rise, families everywhere, and in this case, the northern region of Chautauqua County have sometimes had to turn to others to give them a hand. Chautauqua County Rural Ministry was one of those welcomed sights this holiday season as purse straps become even tighter.

Its Thanksgiving box giveaway aided more than 160 families this year and there’s no doubt Christmas need will be even greater.

“We had 107 people sign up (for boxes),” director Bridget Majka stated, “but then we started a waiting list after that and we ended up giving out 167 boxes.”

She also noted that the organization served several dinners out of their kitchen as well that Thursday. When asked how the Christmas drive was shaping up Majka responded well, but acknowledged that there was still plenty of need.

“We need food, definitely, like canned fruit, potatoes, any kind of potato. It could be mashed potatoes or au gratin or anything like that,” she said.

She deterred from regular potatoes citing storage while the boxes are being built.

“We also need dessert items,” Majka added. “That could be anything too. Could be breads, could be cakes or cookies.”

She also requested hams as that is their desired main course to give away.

Following food discussion, Majka veered to gifts for kids and teens.

“The toys honestly,” she began. “We did a nice drive for teenage things and we got quite a response because we don’t usually have that kind of stuff, but some more teenage items and of course younger kids as well.”

She suggested nail polishes, body sprays and body washes for teens if people desired to buy those as well as any toys.

“Whatever we get means we can help more people,” she added.

Distribution date for food is set for Dec. 18, with toys and gifts slated for Dec. 20. CCRM is packing the food boxes on Sunday and the presents Dec. 18, so request any and all donations be made by those dates. They also request no gift cards as an alternative.

As for volunteers, CCRM is always looking for more helping hands.

“We always can use volunteers depending on what they’re interested in doing,” Majka shared. “We need help sorting out items, packing, whatever, we always can use them, but anything anybody wants to give, it just helps us to help more families so we’re just very grateful for that.”

CCRM is located at 319 Washington Ave. Dunkirk. For any inquiries or to volunteer please call (716) 366-1787.