The colder weather and shortening days are a reminder the holiday season is fast approaching, and here’s another sure sign — the Arctic League is gearing up for its 2025 Christmas appeal.
Every year in November and December, the charity, founded in 1912, raises funds to pay for Christmas gift bags for thousands of children and families in Elmira and Chemung County.
Last year, the Arctic League exceeded its $175,000 fund drive goal. That money helped pay for this year’s gift distribution, which will take place on Christmas Eve.
More than 3,000 eligible children and families benefited from the 2024 Arctic League Christmas appeal and gift bag distribution.
This year’s fundraising goal will be announced when organization officials open the “Big Book,” formally kicking off the 2025 campaign.
“When you hear that the Arctic League is looking for the bell ringer and the Christmas tree for the broadcast, you know Christmas is coming,” said board President Karen Ring. “And to have so many members of this community support this organization is truly amazing.”
What will happen during Arctic League’s 2025 campaign
Here are some of the highlights of the annual campaign as it unfolds:
“It is truly special to witness the kindness of this community always supporting the Arctic League by putting smiles on so many children’s faces,” Ring said. “Also, to see the community volunteering with the packing and delivery of the packages is so heartwarming.”
Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 113, Elmira, N.Y. 14902. They can also be dropped off in person at several locations around Elmira and Chemung County. Donations can also be made online.
For more information, go to www.arcticleague.com.
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Arctic League gearing up for 2025 Christmas appeal. Here’s what to expect and how to help
Reporting by Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
