This has not been a typical year and we faced the need to alter our planned events to create a public-safety minded alternative. And this year, more than ever, Accord Community Action needed our help.
We had to change our angle a bit, BUT, we felt we were offered the opportunity to assist our county twofold to include supporting some of our local businesses during this unique holiday season.
Yesterday, December 8, 2020, the ACTHSA hosted our Annual Toy Drive at the Belfast Municipal Building. Instead of an inside gathering, we hosted a Drive-Thru donation event. And instead of a sit-down prime rib dinner, we pre-purchased 10 - $20.00 gift cards from each of these 10 locally owned & operated restaurants/takeout businesses throughout Allegany County:
-Bolivar Country Club – Bolivar, NY
-Crego’s Birdsall Inn – Birdsall, NY
-Harrington’s – Belfast, NY
-Café Jacobs – Bolivar, NY
-Mama’s Smokin’ BBQ – Wellsville, NY
-Mike’s on the Corner – Scio, NY
-Mulheisen’s – Almond, NY
-Murdock’s – Cuba, NY
-Sierra Inn – Swain, NY
-Still Water – Wellsville, NY
As donations were made, folks were able to choose a gift card. Many of those donating, donated their Gift Card forward to Accord so a family in need could go out to dinner or order a great take out meal this holiday!
Some other really awesome things happened too! In addition to a $700 donation of Dollar General Gift Cards, Toys & Baby Clothing donated by the ACTHSA; donated also to Accords Community Action Angel 2020 Toy Drive:
· $250.00 Donation – by Allegany County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
· $250.00 Donation - by Todd Hartman – Donegal Construction
. $100.00 Donation - by Bill Nicoles - Retired, Town of Belfast Highway Superintendent
. $100.00 Donation - by Burdette Isaman - Town of Birdsall Highway Superintendent
. $100.00 Donation - by Kevin "Fred" Demick - ACTHSA President
· Literal trunk-load of toys – by County Clerk – Rob Christman
· Bags full of toys – by Allegany County D.A. – Keith Slep
AND...many, many toy donations from these ACTHSA Member businesses: Chemung Supply, Gernatt’s, Donegal, E & M Engineers, Bobcat of Olean, Hunter Buffalo Peterbuilt, Lane Enterprise, Marquart’s, New Enterprise, Suit-Kote, Kheops, Regional International & TIFCO
Generosity doesn’t even begin to describe yesterday's annual event. I am so proud to be a Vendor Member and the Secretary/Treasurer for this exceptional band of community supportive men and women. Thank you Town & Village Highway Superintendents, Retired Superintendents, Allegany County and Vendor representatives who came out today and who donated in advance... our hearts are all beyond full!
Special thanks to Rick Hall - Village of Cuba Superintendent for spearheading this program with Accord each year!
