By Carol Fisher-Linn
Come and “Rock Out Hunger” with Radio 97 Rock’s DJ Dave Jickster and expand the food resources of FeedMore WNY.
As you read this in the comfort of your home, perhaps the fireplace blazing, a snack and glass of wine nearby, it is hard to imagine a cozier life. With the holidays at our doorsteps, we are filled with plans and menus and gifting ideas and look forward to a whirlwind of holiday fun. Life, especially at holiday time, is oh, so, sweet. Right? But …
Let me introduce you to those for whom life is not so sweet this holiday season. In Cattaraugus County (2022 figures) there were 11,410 people (19.4%), 3,275 kids (14.8%), who were nutritionally deprived. In Chautauqua County 19,150 people (15%) and 5,190 kiddoes (20.1) are nutritionally deprived. Please, just stop for a moment and digest those numbers. That is on average 1 in 6 of our neighbors who are likely not eating even two square meals a day. Many, through no fault of their own, find themselves in need from catastrophic illness, grandparents unexpectedly raising grandchildren, a job loss, a family disaster, etc. leaving people having to choose to fill a prescription, fill the gas tank or buy groceries. Have you ever heard the expression – “There, but for the grace of God, go I?”
Thankfully, food pantries are filling the gaps for those individuals who have the means to get to them, and Meals on Wheels are delivering nutritious hot meals to homes. Schools, churches, and communities are, or have already, sponsored free holiday meals, and organizations like the Ellicottville Rotary are sponsoring a Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly, infirm, needy, lonely, or shut ins on the 27th at St. Paul’s Church in Ellicottville.
In Chautauqua County the Friendly Kitchen-Chautauqua County Rural Ministry on Washington Street in Dunkirk provides a hot meal to anyone in need. A free dinner will be provided for any county resident at the site on Thanksgiving Day from 11am – 12:30pm.
Some of these organizations depend on the largesse of their members and community donations; some (most) are sustained by the food bank of Western New York which, combined with Meals on Wheels is now known as FeedMore WNY which provides food and services to Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara Counites to end hunger for our neighbors. In speaking with Catherine Shick, Public Relations Manager of FeedMore WNY, she informed us that their mission is to “offer dignity and hope and brighter futures by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to our WNY neighbors in need.” How do they do it?
Angels appear, one looking very much like a popular, well-loved DJ, hosting 97 Rock’s Operation Rock Out Hunger. From November 19 – 26, 97 Rock’s DJ Dave Jickster (for the 19th year in a row – through COVID and the deep freeze-blizzards, will be living in a drafty, uninsulated FeedMore WNY box trailer, sleeping on a recliner, “warmed” by a portable heater, essentially roughing it without being on the streets. Look for him in the parking lot at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (1540 Maple Road, Williamsville) collecting food (including perishables and frozen goods/turkeys) and funds (between 7am and 9pm (if you can’t get there during those hours, leave on steps.) Bonus – 97 Rock is making it a Win-Win. By donating, you are entered to win Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets at Key Bank Center on December 4. GRAND PRIZE winners will win an authentic Josh Allen and Jim Kelly autographed helmet from Dave and Adams sports shop. Check them out on feedmorewny.org, 97 Rock Operation: RockOut Hunger. This site will also give you guidance to donating on-line if you can’t get to the trailer to see Dave in person. Says DJ Dave, “it makes my heart swell – it is my honor to do this. I don’t have to do it. I get to do it.” Yeah, he emphasizes those words. That kindness and humility gave me a lesson in the giving spirit and deserved a hug, but we were on the phone. Deliver one from me if you get there. Just don’t squish his wings.
So, here’s the big deal from the 2023 Rock Out Hunger event: 1,100 turkeys, $56,000 in cash, 34,022 pounds of food. For the total history of Rock Out Hunger they’ve gathered more than $400,000, 390,000 pounds of food and 38,500 turkeys!
You can add to those numbers by stopping by or donating online. No donation is too small. Let your heart guide you as you consider donating. Be a good Neighbor.