Tompkins Weekly

Trumansburg Connection: Spirit of giving alive in T-Burg



 

 

The generosity of local businesses and people help the Village of Trumansburg and Town of Ulysses residents in need survive all year round. As the weather turns colder and the holiday season is upon us, families need for community support grows. Whether you are able to give the gift of time, money, or donating from your own home, there are plenty of ways to embrace the spirit of giving.

Trumansburg Rotary Club
The Trumansburg Rotary Club invites you to donate to their “Share the Warmth” drive during the first couple of weeks in December by contributing new and gently used cold weather wear and blankets in the collection boxes at the Trumansburg ShurSave and St. James Catholic Church. Cold weather wear includes coats, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, snow pants, snow boots, and any other useful winter wear.

Rotary is also giving back to the community with their Fall Community Small Grant Cycle. They are currently accepting applications for self-sustaining community activities. Considered projects will include school learning projects, projects for senior citizens, the arts, and local libraries in Trumansburg, South Seneca, Newfield, and Enfield school districts. Grants are generally awarded in amounts up to $1,000, and the application deadline is Nov. 15. Find the application and background information online, clubrunner.ca/trumansburg. Questions about the application, the application process, or donating to Rotary can be directed to Kathleen Overbaugh, Kathleen@ottcmail.com.

Ulysses Christmas Bureau
The Ulysses Christmas Bureau (UCB) is an all-volunteer, tax-exempt, charitable organization that supports children in the Trumansburg Central School District during the holiday season. UCB works cooperatively with the TCSD school nurses to identify families in need of new clothes, gifts, and food for the holiday break. In addition, the Trumansburg elementary and middle schools help to organize a food drive to contribute to the UCB. UCB also coordinates the Holiday Fruit Basket Program, where volunteers prepare and deliver fruit baskets, homemade cookies, and holiday cheer to Ulysses residents who are unable to leave their house often. You can help the UCB by volunteering, referring a fruit basket recipient, providing a monetary donation, or sponsoring a child or family for the holiday. More information can be found on the UCB website, ulysseschristmasbureau.org/sign-up-to-help.

Trumansburg Lions Club
The Trumansburg Lions Club works closely with the Ulysses Christmas Bureau to coordinate collecting, sorting, and distributing gifts and food donations. On Dec. 8 they will be sorting food donations from the school at the Trumansburg Golf Course Clubhouse. On Dec. 14 Lions Club volunteers will pick up several truckloads of donations from the Trumansburg ShurSave, and all food will be distributed on Dec. 15. The club welcomes volunteers. Visit the club website, 20e2lions.com/Trumansburg/, for contact information.

Salvation Army bell ringing
For many years, the Trumansburg ShurSave has been host to the local Salvation Army bell ringing. Ringing begins the day after Thanksgiving through much of December up to the Christmas holiday. This location always collects a good amount of donations for the Salvation Army, but they are always in need of volunteers. This year, the volunteer coordination will be run by Judy Robertson. Interested volunteers should contact Judy via phone at (607) 387-6488. In addition to the Salvation Army fundraising, the ShurSave is home to many other group fundraising during the holiday season. Find them all in the breezy entrance, and consider buying them a cup of something hot!

T-Burg Takes on Pediatric Cancer
Trumansburg Takes on Pediatric Cancer (TBTPC) began in 2010 after three families in Trumansburg were affected by pediatric cancer, one of which lost their son. They are an all-volunteer run organization, with two main fundraising events, a Gala in the late winter, and a Fall Family Day. In 2018 they have helped 28 families throughout New York State pay for expenses associated with treatment, with other funds being donated to support pediatric cancer research. They also give back to the community by hosting the Easter Egg Hunt at Taughannock Park. TBTPC welcomes monetary donations as well as volunteers and help to spread their message through word of mouth. To learn more, make a donation or volunteer inquiries, visit their website, tburgtakesonpediatric.com/.

Other ways to make a difference
Of course, there are a myriad of other community organizations in Trumansburg that will gladly accept donations of time or money including the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, Ulysses Historical Society, Ulysses Philomathic Library, and Trumansburg Community Recreation, just to name a few. If you are cleaning out your closets this winter, consider donating to the Trumansburg Gemm Shop, which sells quality used clothing and other goods at an affordable price. The Trumansburg Food Pantry is always accepting donations at the Trumansburg ShurSave. In particular, at this time of year, they are in need of protein-rich soup. When making donations from your own cupboard, they ask that you please check expiration dates!

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