Submitted Photo PetSmart recently donated several hundred stuffed animals to the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County.

Ahead of its annual Holiday Party, the Boys & Girls Club received overwhelming support yet again from PetSmart with hundreds of stuffed animals donated for children to enjoy. Several vehicles full of stuffed animals were provided to the Club at no cost as part of an annual tradition at PetSmart in Dunkirk to support area youth.

“A stuffed animal always brings a smile to a child’s face,” said Jody Falkner, Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County Interim Executive Director. “Just seeing the smiling faces on all of the kids when they received the stuffed animals means the world.”

More than 2,000 stuffed animals were collected in total by PetSmart this year, with several organizations benefiting from donations, including local police and fire departments, pet shelters, nursing homes and churches.

“There’s more than we could possibly ever distribute amongst our Club members,” Falkner said. Recognizing the impact that a stuffed animal could bring to senior citizens as well, the Club is helping in the effort to share the wealth with others.

The Boys & Girls Club is in the midst of its Hope for the Holidays campaign, with donations sought to sponsor children who attend the Club for the annual Holiday Party. The donations each year from PetSmart support the annual event, ensuring that every child receives a gift, sponsor or not, but additional donations from the community are greatly appreciated.

To sponsor a child of the Club, contact Cierra Vasquez, a Boys & Girls Club Board member, at (716) 467-0594 or cecevasquez2015@gmail.com, or contact the Boys & Girls Club directly at (716) 366-1061. Sponsors will be provided with the wishlist of a child from the Club, with gifts limited to $40. Santa will deliver the presents at the annual Holiday Party, scheduled for the week before Christmas.

Community members can also support the Club by participating in Dash for Cash, held Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club in Dunkirk. The grand prize award is $2,000 with additional prizes on the night of totaling $500.

End of the year tax deductible donations can also be issued to support the Club. To donate, contact the Club directly at (716) 366-1061 or donate online at bgcofncc.org.

This past year has been an eventful one for the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County. Falkner stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director in August to provide stability to the Club following the resignation of former Executive Director Jeannie Gallaway. After departing from the previous location of School 4 in Dunkirk, the Club has settled at St. Hyacinth’s on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk while looking ahead to a permanent location down the road. The Club has secured the former Refresco building on Main Street in Dunkirk as a permanent location, following substantial renovations in the coming years.

The Club opened for the year in early October, and with the cancellation of after school programming in Dunkirk schools, the Club’s presence is vital to families in the Dunkirk/Fredonia area in need of after school child care. There are still spots open for enrollment. Contact the Club at (716) 366-1061 or visit bgcofncc.org for more information.

Through all of the turbulence in the months that have passed, Falkner is grateful for the community support the Club has received.

“Thank you to our sponsors and supporters of the program, and our families for trusting their children in our care,” Falkner said. “This past year brought many challenges, but also hope and opportunity with the Club moving to a new location. The Board has worked very hard to make sure we’re able to continue providing valuable after school programs for our children.”