Josh Larsen and Joe Chapman are pictured donating venison to St. Susan Center.

St. Susan Center recently received a “vital donation” that helped feed those in need for an entire day.

Josh Larsen and Joe Chapman donated a couple of deer from the 2023 hunting season while Larsen partnered with his friend Mike Norton to process the venison, ensuring it could be readily distributed to St. Susan Center. Norton, who owns an approved processor for the Venison Donation Coalition of WCNY Pantry Project, has helped provide meat to those in need in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

For hunters and farmers looking to contribute, the Venison Donation Coalition of WCNY Pantry Project offers an avenue to donate either a whole deer or a portion thereof. Currently, the coalition distributes venison across 13 counties in western and central New York, with participating pantries collecting donations from processors and distributing them within their communities.

“Considering that St. Susan’s typically serves an average of 174 meals daily, their contribution made a significant impact,” said Cherie Rowland, St. Susan Center executive director. “In 2023 alone, we served over 50,000 meals, highlighting the critical role such donations play in our mission.”

Rowland also alluded to the center’s annual basket fundraiser to be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fluvanna Community Church.

“Last year we had several hundred people come through and bid on baskets,” she said. “We also have several door prizes, cash prizes and several big-ticket items.”

Door prizes include cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200 as well as a loveseat glider; Coleman hot tub; gazebo -patio set with lights; Ridgid 16 Gallon Shop Vac and Chicago Cutlery 18-piece Knife Set.

“We’re hoping to have more than 100 gift baskets,” Rowland said. “For those wishing to purchase tickets they are $20 for a sheet of raffle tickets for a chance to win a gift basket. Grand Prize tickets are $10 each or three for $25.”

As previously noted, the need for services and support has been increasing.

“Each year we’re serving more and more meals,” Rowland said. “In 2022 we served 39,000 meals, in 2023 we served $50,000 meals and this year we’re on par with serving 50,000 meals or more. Between the venison donation and the basket raffle — this will help us meet the growing needs of our community.”

For more information regarding the St. Susan basket raffle fundraiser visit stsusancenter.org