With the holiday season quickly approaching, the awareness of need is rising greatly within the Dunkirk-Fredonia region.

How great is the need? Chautauqua County, in many metrics, is the poorest upstate New York county. Our poverty rate is nearly 17% — and higher in both the city of Dunkirk and the village of Fredonia.

Over the weekend, numerous individuals participated in the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry Thanksgiving food basket project. Overall, there were 110 frozen turkeys along with some hams, turkey breasts and pork loin and a lot of produce, canned goods and stuffing and potatoes. Residents also generously donated about $2,500 for the organization with more donations expected.

In addition, the Dunkirk City School District is hosting a holiday food drive through Friday with donations being accepted from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “It is a drive-through style donation drop-off,” according to Superintendent Brian Swatland. “Cars can enter the Secondary School entrance on Marauder Drive and pull up to the gym entrance, where donations can be placed in collection bins.”

Non-perishable food items will get accepted. These include canned vegetables, fruits, and soups; boxed stuffing, instant potatoes, and pasta; rice and beans; peanut butter and jelly; cereal and oatmeal; canned meats or tuna; and strictly shelf-stable juices or milks.

Checks can be made payable to the Dunkirk City School District with “Holiday Food Drive” in the subject line. All donations will help Dunkirk City School District families.

These efforts definitely brighten spirits here at home.