For those who have not yet looked at the calendar, do not forget that today is July 16 — or 7/16, which is a major deal for the region. Give 716 is Western New York’s biggest day of giving — powered by the Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Buffalo Sabres Foundation.

According to the https://give716.org website, since 2021 $5,918,670 has been raised to support

944 charities with 29,331 unique donors and 47,297 total donations. Those donations, though based on teams who call Erie County home, also benefit organizations in Chautauqua County.

So on this day of assisting, we show our gratitude to all those who contribute so much to others in our communities. Last week, our newspaper sale helped raise more than $5,600 for the Laurel Memorial Run and Walk.

Its 30th anniversary event starts Friday and continues in Laurel Hotelling’s hometown of Silver Creek. All money raised through the event goes to Filling the Gap, which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families in Chautauqua County.

Most of the event proceeds are directed to The Resource Center Laurel Run Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and are used to promote disability awareness initiatives and to enhance employment and work training opportunities for people with disabilities. A portion of the Laurel Run/Walk proceeds will be directed to the Dr. John Vona “Smile” Fund at the Community Foundation.

Giving, especially locally, always makes a difference — today and throughout the year.