On Thursday, Cherie Rowland, St. Susan Center executive director, as well as fundraising volunteers Chad Vanevery and Dan Keefe manned a Holiday Haul donation drop point in the Cycle Shop’s parking lot. Donations can be delivered today from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“This event is the brainchild of Keith Martin, who thought of the concept 11 years ago,” Rowland said.

Martin is the former athletic director for Jamestown Community College and currently the executive director of Northwest Arena.

This year’s event got off to a great start thanks to the generosity of a local manufacturing center and other contributors.

Cummins kicked-off the 11th Holiday Haul with a drive by the plant floor personnel. Rowland said $3,500 and 1,109 pounds of food were collected. Submitted photo

“Cummins hosted a ‘plant floor drive’ to help start us off,” Rowland said. “The company and the employees raised $3,500 and 1,100 pounds of food. All the employees generously pitched in to launch us off on a good foot.”

Some community members were energized by the spirit of giving.

“I gave a few cans, but I’m planning on going to the store and buying more,” city resident Michella Howard said Thursday. “I’m not rich, but we should all pitch in a little to help each other out.”

In 2022, the Holiday Haul collected $22,900 and over 9 tons of food during the three-day event.

“This is what the Christmas spirit is all about,” Rowland said. “Helping, loving and taking care of one another.”

For more information on the Holiday Haul, or St. Susan Center, call 716-664-2253 or visit stsusancenter.org. Meal services are open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Doors are locked at 2:45 p.m. Saturday hours are noon to 2 p.m.

The center is closed Sundays.