Arctic League smashes fund drive goal, wraps up Christmas appeal with record donations

Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette
·1 min read
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The Arctic League wrapped up its annual Christmas appeal Friday a little earlier than usual and with record donations.

The organization closed its "Big Book" after Elmira Police Benevolent Association representative Officer Bryant Tranchant presented a check from the union for $2,500.

The final contribution raised the total amount raised to $213,386.08, or 121.93% of this year's $175,000 goal.

Elmira police officer Bryant Tranchant signs the Arctic League Big Book on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, after making a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Elmira Police Benevolent Association. Looking on are Arctic League Treasurer Mike Wayne, left, bell ringer Annie McKenzie and board President Scott Heffner.
Elmira police officer Bryant Tranchant signs the Arctic League Big Book on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, after making a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Elmira Police Benevolent Association. Looking on are Arctic League Treasurer Mike Wayne, left, bell ringer Annie McKenzie and board President Scott Heffner.

In addition, Treasurer Michael Wayne announced the Arctic League was named beneficiary of the dissolution of a local unidentified family’s living trust. The bequest added an additional $100,000 to this year’s charity fund, bringing the overall total raised to $313,386.

Friday's closing not only saw the largest contribution ever by the Elmira PBA, but also marked the 21st consecutive year the Arctic League reached its goal before Christmas Day.

Funds raised this year will enable the organization to purchase toys and gifts next year for about 3,000 children and families in need in Elmira and Chemung County.

Arctic League board President Scott Heffner reminded the community volunteers are needed to deliver Christmas bags in the City of Elmira.

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Delivery will take place Christmas Eve morning and volunteers are asked to gather at league headquarters, 249 W. Clinton St., at 9 a.m. Volunteer fire departments will deliver gifts to families in outlying areas of Chemung County.

Heffner also encouraged anyone who is still looking to make donations to support other charities in the community that have not yet met their year-end fundraising goals.

For more information about the Arctic League, go to arcticleague.com.

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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Arctic League Christmas appeal raises record amount for Elmira area