We Need Your Help More Than Ever

This year’s food drive, associated with the Holiday Valley Mardi Gras weekend, is fast approaching and is more important than ever. With the economy in the “down dog days” there are more people who need additional support, and now is the time to think of ways that you might help. For the past 12 years the Holiday Valley Ski Patrol has collected money, cases of food and other necessary general home items, and again we are asking for your help.

I am asking everyone to dig just a bit deeper this year. In the past I have suggested that you go through your food cupboards and pantries, and take out several non perishable food items that you may have purchased but right now really don’t need. Then go back and take out one more items like paper towels, tissue paper, toilet paper, or tooth paste. This is a year where each one of us has to go that extra step to help out someone else.

Now that you have done that, bring the items to Quality Market in Ellicottville, on Friday evening March 13th between 4:30 and 9PM where a ski patrolman will be standing outside in uniform to collect these items. OK, you can’t make it Friday evening, how about Saturday between 9:30AM and 6PM, or even during the parade where many ski patrolmen will be walking down each side of the street during the parade, collecting food and money. Food donation boxes will also be set up in several shops around town, the Red Door, at the opposite end of town Quality Market, and out at Holiday Valley in Skiers Services, where you can drop off items all week long.

We are not going to let you go away empty handed for your generosity. We will award you with a strand of Mardi gras beads to wear during the weekend events. Ski patrollers have a saying, “a passion for skiing and compassion for others” Our job both on and off the ski slopes is to help others, so now we ask that you please help us, to help others.

Additional information, please contact Bob Barbu on the internet at bobbarbu@yahoo.com or call 440 668-3773.