By Jessica Miller
Cattaraugus County Nonprofits Turn One Day of Giving into Years of Impact.
On Tuesday, December 2, the Cattaraugus County region will once again turn its attention to generosity as Cattaraugus Gives returns for a 24-hour online fundraising push. Organized through the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation’s giving platform, the event will see organizations of all sizes in friendly competition for donations, prizes, and the chance to tell their stories to the wider community.
Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation (CRCF) communications and fund development manager Tyler Veno confirms that 104 nonprofits from across the Cattaraugus County region are set to raise funds during Cattaraugus Gives. The participating organizations range from libraries and historical societies to animal rescues, food pantries, youth sports programs, arts groups and scholarship funds. The full roster can be found online alongside secure links for giving at www.cattaraugusgives.org.
104 organizations in Cattaraugus County who will use the gifts they receive on
Giving Tuesday as investments in future service to their communities.
Veno explains, “Cattaraugus Gives is a 24-hour online fundraising event that brings together area nonprofits of any service area, size or mission in friendly competition to celebrate the community’s spirit of giving.” Last year’s event saw 96 nonprofits collectively raise $331,512 in a single day, bringing the multi-year total generated through Cattaraugus Gives to well over $1.5 million for community causes.
This year, donors will again have chances to amplify their gifts. According to the foundation, “Donors can help the participating organizations win prizes from a pool of $29,000 in prizes sponsored by CRCF and a number of area businesses.” On top of that, Veno noted that “there are a number of matches and challenges available, which will increase the impact of the donors’ gifts. This year, $9,000 in matching funds will be available throughout the day.” Donors themselves are part of the fun, with multiple gift card drawings and a Buffalo Sabres hockey puck signed by Peyton Krebs available as prizes during set time periods.
Veno said organizers are expecting an especially energetic giving day this year. “This year, we have more participating organizations and prizes than we have ever had, which certainly adds to the excitement,” he said. “It’s truly special to watch the community rally around causes that mean the most to them, and we look forward to seeing that compassion drive meaningful change again in 2025.”
One of the participating nonprofits, the Olean Food Pantry, is using Giving Tuesday to highlight a project that will sustain decades into the future. The pantry’s latest effort to build long-term sustainability is a 41.54 kW solar panel installation in the Leo Moss Drive facility. This project is especially emphasized for the 2025 Giving Tuesday.
David Potter, board president of the Olean Food Pantry, explains that the solar project is about both environmental and financial stewardship. “This system will cut our utility costs by 98% and save nearly $200,000 over 25 years. That’s $200,000 more we can invest directly into food purchases, fresh produce, household essentials, and vital operations — all for the people who rely on us every day.” At a time when federal aid is tightening and food prices remain high, he adds, “In a time of shrinking federal aid and rising food costs, we’re doing everything we can to protect our future and serve more neighbors with dignity.”
While Cattaraugus Gives shines a spotlight on local needs, the spirit of Giving Tuesday stretches far beyond county lines. In an appeal from the Great Falls Council, Scout executive Gary Decker reminds supporters that “This Global Day of Generosity is an opportunity to show your support for local Scouting and the youth who are learning to lead, serve, and make a difference every day.” For Scouting, Giving Tuesday gifts help cover the experiences that shape young people’s lives.
He emphasizes that participation is not limited to financial contributions alone. “Whether you give dollars, time, or both, your donation helps build character, confidence, and lifelong memories for the next generation of Scouts,” he notes, adding a reminder of the collective power behind the day: “Save the date and join us on Giving Tuesday to make a difference!” and “Together, we can keep the Scouting adventure strong in the Great Falls Council.”