The Gift of Giving that Gives Back
The Gift of Giving that Gives Back
Who doesn’t enjoy sauntering the sidewalks of our busy little town, dipping in and out of all the unique shops and filling bag after bag with handpicked holiday gifts for family, friends and co-workers? If you’ve been following us on social media over the past few weeks, you’ve gotten a glimpse of the many one-of-a-kind items available from our local businesses - Himalayan bath salts from Ellicottville Salt Cave, 14731 mugs from Daff, crystal gemstone jewelry from Good For the Spirit Gifts, adorable Santa puppy socks from The Purple Doorknob…
We’ve curated a list of wonderful gift ideas for every member in your circle. Check our FB and IG pages regularly (@ellicottvilleNOW) as we continue to post popular must-give gifts that you can find locally.
On top of supporting small business, I’d like to also challenge you to choose a gift that gives back. Many area organizations offer special holiday promotions with proceeds supporting their mission. In every case, it’s a win-win! Here are a few of our top picks:
FUNDRAISING FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS
For the past four years, local videographer Ashley Baron and her pup, Willow, have been spearheading a calendar drive to help support animal shelters in our area. The 2023 Willow Calendar is now available, and unlike previous years, this year the public can order calendars online and have them drop-shipped to anywhere in the U.S.
Go to createphotocalendars.com and search “Willy Goat” in the calendar shop section (or find the link on IG @willygoat_adventures). Choose your size, head to checkout, and you’ve just made gift-giving to friends AND animals in need so easy!
Empire Animal Rescue Society (EARS) has been the recipient of Willy Goat calendars since the calendar’s inception, however, this year, Willow and her owner have decided to spread the love, choosing a new rescue to donate proceeds to. Celebration of Canine Lives Sanctuary (CCLS) of Cuba, NY is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization in the process of building a rescue/sanctuary for homeless dogs. The group purchased property in the Fall of 2019 and are now in the process of readying the land and facilities for four-legged friends in need. The next step for CCLS is getting electricity in the barn, which is estimated at $4,000. Your purchase of a Willy Goat calendar will help them accomplish this! As soon as the barn has heat, CCLS can finish the first dog room and begin taking in pups! Learn more about CCLS at celebrationofcaninelives.com.
FOR THE LOVE OF ART
The Tri-County Arts Council (TCAC) brings art and culture together, offering a number of artist exhibits, classes and workshops throughout the year that support the council’s mission of advocating for the creation and appreciation of art in the 3-county territory of Cattaraugus, Allegany and Chautauqua. During the holiday season, TCAC puts special emphasis on showcasing many of their member artists in what they’ve titled, “A Little Something Small Works Member Show”.
Featuring 55 artists with close to 150 original pieces on display and available for sale, the Small Works Show opens up opportunity for the public to not only support our local artists, but share these amazing art pieces with loved ones through the power of holiday gifting. Browse a wide array of media in-person at TCAC’s gallery, 110 W. State Street in Olean, or shop from the comfort of your couch via tricountyartscouncil.org. You’ll find works from Robin Zerfas-Clark, Michelle Capizzi, Elliott Hutton, Mikel Wintermantel, Barbara Fox, Sean Huntington and more. After viewing the artisan market online, I must say I am personally intrigued and drawn to Nicole Missel’s “Goddess Bowl” (magazine, wire & glue), Rose Brawn’s “Life & Wholeness” series (acrylic on paper backed with wood), Ruth Flood’s “Paz” (mosaic glass), and Deb Stillson’s “Golden Ferns” (cyanotype).
It’s absolutely stunning to see the level of art coming out of our area! The Small Works Show offers perfectly sized pieces for gift giving or to add to your own collection. Search Tri-County Arts Council on FB and IG (@artscouncil).
TAKE A HIKE!
Looking for something special for that special someone who loves the outdoors? We are privileged to have the largest NYS park right in our backyard! Visitors have been flocking to Allegany State Park since the summer of 1921. One hundred years later, park officials have released “The Centennial 7 Hiking Challenge”, a self-guided tour introducing hikers to over 20 miles of some of the oldest and newest trails within the park.
Purchase a packet for $14 and your lucky recipient will unwrap seven maps, each featuring a different trail of the park. Once they’ve completed all seven hikes, they can return all seven maps, complete with all seven trail etchings, to the Red House Rental Office where they’ll receive a custom Centennial 7 carabiner mug. It’s a gift they’ll enjoy walking for! And if they’re your friend, chances are they’ll want you to join them in the challenge, so you’ll want to pick up a packet for yourself as well. Better yet, pick up a packet for each person in your friend group! Those coffee dates have officially turned into trail meet-ups. Okay, sign me up!
Purchase packets at the Red House Rental Office and feel good knowing that your donation will go to the Environmental Education Department of Allegany State Park to further develop programs like this in the park. For additional details, check out Allegany State Park’s FB page or call ASP's Environmental Education/Recreation Department at 716-379-6939.
DONATE… JUST BECAUSE
There’s a reason to give back in every season, but I urge you to make it your mission before year’s end to choose a good cause (or two or three) to donate to. Whether it’s $20 or $200, think about the strides we can make as a community if everyone gave a little something…
The Frank Pitillo Memorial Lighting Fund is up against the clock to raise the necessary funds to replace the stadium lights at Ellicottville Central School by next Fall.
Our local Alley Katz depend on 100% donations in order to continue beautifying Ellicottville. (See page 04 to read all about this amazing group of volunteer gardeners).
The Elisa B. Hughey Fund for the Arts supports Ellicottville and West Valley high school seniors through scholarships towards college in the fields of fine arts or preforming arts.
Established by citizens of the Ellicottville and Great Valley area, the EVGV Recreation Trail Fund supports the development of a multi-use trail, which when completed, will connect the two towns.
Operation Warm Hearts ensures that every child in the surrounding communities is kept warm during the harsh WNY winters by providing coats, boots and winter accessories. This organization also provides underwear, socks, shoes, and clothing to any child in need throughout the year.
You can find all of these funds and many, many others (290 to be exact!) on the Cattaraugus Regional Community Foundation website, cattfoundation.org.
Please remember when shopping for your loved ones this holiday season, also consider those in our county who could use a helping hand. The greatest gift of all, is helping others in need. Merry Christmas!
