SKANEATELES — A silver lining of COVID-19 is this:
It shines a light on what matters.For two years, the Skaneateles Rotary Club canceled its Holiday Gift Basket Fundraiser due to concerns about spreading the virus.
There would be no holiday music, no gathering, no turkey to carve.
And the community gave anyway.
Turns out, it never was merely, or mostly, about the festivities.
For the second year, the virtual fundraiser made more for local organizations than the fun event ever did, said Rotarian Lee Bennett, who was part of both campaigns.
More than $16,000 was given to area food pantries, Skaneateles Outreach, and Meals on Wheels this year, said Rotary President Terry McCormick.
The funds go straight to area food panties and to the Skaneateles Outreach office for holiday food baskets, gift certificates and gifts for families in need, said Bennett.
Jacque McConnaghy, Skaneateles Outreach coordinator, said funds received from the Rotary fundraiser each year help her office continue to take care of families all year long. There are always children without boots, snow pants or backpacks; senior citizens without heat; families who need a help with rent or utilities for a month.
“We are here to help in whatever way people might need,” she said.
In addition to funds from the annual Rotary fundraiser, gifts pour in over the holidays from organizations, businesses, schools clubs, and families who “adopt a family,” said McConnaghy.
People who receive help from Skaneateles Outreach often say they have never been in such a situation, said McConnaghy.
In gratitude, they ask “how can I ever thank you enough?” McConnaghy, who has been the coordinator 15 years, always says “Pay it forward.”
This year, one of those families called to say “I don’t know if you remember me, but you helped us.”
They asked how to help, and then quietly delivered hats, mittens, and stocking stuffers to the Outreach office. “It was wonderful to see,” said McConnaghy. “A very full circle moment.”
Bell-ringing also showed generous community spirit
Thanks to this community, the Skaneateles Rotary Club raised $2,915 this year for the Salvation Army at Tops.
“This is more than we have raised in an average year by 25%,” said John Moran, who leads the charge. “People were very generous. Thanks to all who participated, with a Special thanks to Ed Evans and David Lee, who between the two of them rang the bell in 10 different time frames.”
Rotarian Marvin Langley said the club has received a pile of thank-you notes this season.
“Thank you for your support of the Holiday Gift program. It will bring happiness and relief to families going through challenging times in an especially difficult year,” McConaghy said in a letter. “The gratefulness expressed by the families as they picked up their gifts would warm your heart. It is only with the help of caring people like you that we can continue to ensure that every family has a holiday that is merry and bright.”
Skaneateles Meals on Wheels, in a letter, said “We could not help as many people as we do without the generous support,” from individuals and organizations. “Providing nutritious meals and daily safety checks helps our neighbors stay healthy and in their homes. And it gives our clients and their families peace of mind to know that someone cares.”
Submitted by Lori Ruhlman
