There is Always A Need
There is Always a Need
Support Our Local Food Pantries All Year Round
When was the last time you actually donated to a food pantry? Many are guilty (myself included) of only thinking about donating to these places during the “giving season” - that time between Thanksgiving and Christmas when we might drop off a couple of canned goods and a toy or two for kids and consider the mission accomplished. But these items aren’t just needed during the holidays… there is ALWAYS a need. So, with that in mind, we reached out to locations in our community to see what we, as a community, can do to help all year round.
The Ellicottville Food Pantry, located inside of the United Church of Ellicottville at 51 Elizabeth Street, is funded entirely by volunteer donations. Anyone in need in their service area is welcome to visit. The service areas are Ellicottville, Little Valley, Great Valley, West Valley, Cattaraugus, Franklinville, Otto and East Otto. Hours of operation are Monday 1:00-3:00pm, Wednesday 4:00-6:00pm and Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm. Appointments can be made for other days or hours if necessary or in case of a food shortage emergency. Call 716-699-4003.
The Great Valley Food Pantry, located at 4808 Route 219, Great Valley, helps to provide supplies to the residents in the Great Valley area, the same area covered by the Ellicottville Food Pantry. And again, is one-hundred percent funded by volunteer donations. Hours of operation are Thursdays from 4:00-6:00pm and Saturdays from 8:00-10:00am. Follow their Facebook page to stay up-to-date on any changes or special hours.
You can also leave donations at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 6360 Route 242 E, Ellicottville, because as the church advised us, “There is a need for year round assistance for many folks trying to live on retirement or a lower paying job.”
The pantries can always use shelf stable items like pasta, sauce and cereal, but they rarely receive items like baby diapers, health and personal care items like toothbrushes, toothpaste mouthwash, razors, etc., which they could use more of. The food pantries absolutely need community support as there are many people not as fortunate as others. Without community support they would not be able to continue their mission to assist those in need.
Luckily, there is more than one place to take donations. Our local Howard Hanna office is a good option. They accept donations all year round for both of our local food pantries. Sales Manager Sandra Goode explained that they started collecting donations in January of this year, because they saw that the pantries could use a hand and they wanted to help.
“People can drop off canned goods and non-perishable items at our office location at 34 Washington Street (next to Madigan's) anytime. We are open 7 days a week, and if it is after-hours, just leave it on the door step or on the table and we will collect it when we open.” If you have other questions you can call the Howard Hanna office at 716-699-4695.
“Donating to the food pantries all year long is helpful because the need is not just at holiday time, it can be an everyday struggle for some,” Sandra expressed. “Both the Ellicottville and Great Valley Food Pantries serve a large area covering all of our neighboring towns. There is a greater need than most people realize. A little help can go a long way.
That is most certainly the truth. Just ask Angel Fisher, the Brand & Data Manager at Connecting Communities in Action (25 Jefferson Street, Salamanca, NY). The CCA is a private, non-profit organization - one of hundreds across the United States that strives to build resilient communities by helping the residents achieve economic, physical and emotional security. They meet people’s most basic needs. More importantly, they collaborate with scores of public and private partners to offer marginalized people hope, opportunity, and the tools to overcome adversity and to thrive. They serve both individuals and families, the elderly, the disabled, and the disadvantaged in southwestern and central New York.
So how can you help the CCA achieve their goals? “There are always needs that can’t be met through regular programming,” explained Angel. “Everyone - no matter their financial situation - needs to feel that they belong. That is difficult to do when one is struggling with basic daily needs. Our community members can help to fill those gaps, whether it be personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, spices, or even kitchen basics like flour, sugar, cooking oil, etc.”
What items is the CCA always looking for? Angel listed them off for us: ”Undergarments are a HUGE need for both men and women. Underwear and bras (perhaps sports-style bras) for both men and women in various sizes are greatly appreciated for use through our shelters. Towels, washcloths, bed sheets, blankets, and pillows are a constant need through our shelters upon arrival and moving on. Personal care items such as shavers, feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, hairbrushes, etc. are always a need. Socially, craft items, puzzles, games, etc. are appreciated by all, especially those families with children.”
She continued, “Needs still exist outside of the holiday, and Connecting Communities in Action works hard to meet these needs when and how we are able. Support from the community allows us to continue this important work.
You can reach out to the CCA at 716-945-1041, search them on Facebook or visit their website ccaction.org.
If you think you can’t afford to make a worthwhile donation, the size or amount doesn’t matter. In the words of Mother Teresa, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” Just a few items here and there throughout the year can make a huge impact for someone who is looking for help. So let’s make a deal as a community, to come together to support our local food pantries year-round the best that we can.
