That won’t change this year.

On Wednesday, the superintendents met again and brought more toys this year than in previous years to help less fortunate children in the county to celebrate Christmas.

“Each year this event and the toys we collect gets bigger and bigger,” said the association’s President Dennis Sweatman. This is a group of big, generous, hardworking people.”

As nationwide inflation has skyrocketed and placed a bigger and bigger strain on non-profits, this generous donation has come at a key and pivotal moment for representatives from the local Salvation Army, located at 83 S. Main St.

The Chautauqua County Town and Village Highway Superintendents Association held its annual toy drive collection/luncheon event Wednesday, at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. The donations benefit the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. From left Kiantone Superintendent Rob Karlson, and Busti Superintendent Greg Johnson, Salvation Army Jamestown Corps Majs. John and Kim Merchant, Sherman Superintendent Dennis Sweatman, and Ellery Superintendent Greg Hallberg. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

“This is a blessing,” said Major Kim Merchant, a corps officer with the Salvation Army. “With the superintendents’ help we were able to fill out the Christmas presents request on our angel tree. These donations help put smiles on the faces of the little ones on Christmas morning. While we’re not able to see it (smiles) we do see plenty of parents shedding tears – when they come to get their kids presents.”

Merchant said the corps needs more assistance this year and is in dire need of volunteers.

“We don’t have enough volunteers to man our kettle bell locations,” she said. “If we can’t get volunteers then we must pay people to man these spots. Even after paying individuals, we do make a little, but the donations could go so much farther -and help more people- if we had volunteers.”

According to www.registertoring.com, In 1891, Salvation Army Capt. Joseph McFee, was distraught because so many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry. During the holiday season, he resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. He only had one major hurdle to overcome – funding the project. Drawing on his history as a sailor in Liverpool, England, at Stage Landing, boats came in and there was a large, iron kettle called, “Simpson’s Pot” into which passers-by tossed a coin or two to help the poor. Thus in 1891 the Kettle Bell ringers came into play.

“If anyone has the heart for it, we could use the help,” said Maj. John Merchant, to co-commander of the Jamestown Salvation Army. “Call 716-664-4108 and we’ll get you set up.”

For more information visit salvationarmyusa.org.