St. Susan’s 10th annual Holiday Haul recently concluded, raising $22,900 and more than 9 tons of food to help those in need over the coming year. Pictured, from left, are Dan Keefe and Keith Martin. Submitted photo

St. Susan Center’s 10th annual Holiday Haul recently concluded, with the community donating $22,900 and over 9 tons of food during the course of the three-day event.

Cherie Rowland, St. Susan Center executive director, said the event was a “great success.” She explained that the annual Holiday Haul is significant because it helps provide St. Susan Center with food, supplies and monetary donations that enable the soup kitchen to continue to serve the community.

Rowland said the donations collected during this year’s Holiday Haul will help St. Susan Center during the first quarter of 2024.

She explained the services provided by St. Susan Center would not be possible without the support of the local community.

“This year St. Susan Center has served our guests nearly 34,000 meals and not one meal would have been possible without the generosity of you and others in our community that support St. Susan Center,” she said. “We appreciate this community’s continuous support and understand the demands on your households during this time.”

Rowland said the Christmas season is often considered “the most wonderful time of the year.” While the community experiences a time of celebration, joy and time with friends and loved ones, she said St. Susan Center’s board and staff have experienced a time of reflection on the joyful blessings provided through the generosity of the community.

The Holiday Haul is a “heartwarming” experience for Rowland, who commended the “amazing” dedication of Keith Martin and Dan Keefe throughout the event.

“For two and a half days, Keith Martin and Dan Keefe stand in all the weather that Chautauqua County offers us, and they greet every person who stops by with sincere appreciation,” she said. “Young people are inspired to help others, while friends and neighbors are moved to give to those in need.”

In response to the generosity of the community, Rowland expressed her appreciation, as well as the appreciation of St. Susan Center’s board of directors, staff and guests.