Make that 22 straight years of Christmastime magic in Chemung County.
The 2024 Arctic League Christmas Campaign topped its goal on Friday, closing its "Big Book" after a $2,500 contribution from the Elmira Police Department Police Benevolent Association pushed the annual drive past the $175,000 fundraising goal.
The money enables the organization to purchase toys and gifts for thousands of children and families in need in Elmira and Chemung County.
The PBA donation equaled the largest ever by the organization and it allowed the Arctic League to reach its fundraising goal before Christmas Day for the 22nd consecutive year.
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Elmira Police Investigator Brooks Shaw, president of the police department PBA, made the final entry in the 2024 "Big Book."
Bob Kramarik, president of the Arctic League Board of Directors, thanked the community for its generous support year after year.
Kramarik introduced 2024 Arctic League Bell Ringer, 10-year-old Clara Jones.
Clara helped promote the Arctic League by attending the opening of the "Big Book" in November, participating in the Arctic League's entry in the Elmira Christmas Parade, participating in the Town of Southport's Holiday Parade, helping with packing at Arctic League's Headquarters and attending the campaign closing.
Clara also presented Kramarik with a plastic container filled with loose change and some folding money. Clara and last year's bell ringer, Annie McKenzie, collected the money at Horseheads Intermediate School.
Here's what is still on the Arctic League Christmas Campaign to-do list this year.
Volunteers are needed on Christmas Eve day to deliver packages. Beginning at 9 a.m., the staging area will be at College Avenue and 2nd Street, heading north. Cars are driven to the Arctic League, where the gift packages will be placed in the vehicles. Police and Arctic League Board members will help with directions.
Outlying areas in Chemung County are delivered by volunteer fire departments. Volunteers are invited to a free light hot breakfast at the American Legion on Lake Street after delivering their packages.
Applications for the Arctic League's assistance should be completed and turned in immediately - no later than Monday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m.
Many other worthy charities in the community have not met their year-end fundraising goals, the Arctic League said, encouraging community members to consider financially supporting other charitable groups.
For those who are honoring their pledge to the Arctic League, contributions should be sent to Arctic League Inc., P.O. Box 113, Elmira, N.Y. 14902.
For more information about the Arctic League, go to arcticleague.com.
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