Allegany County Traffic Safety Board plays key role
From staff reports,
Allegany County’s public transportation system, Access Allegany, along with Ardent Solutions has been holding their Soup-er Bowl of Caring event for 12 years.
This year, they got some help from the Andover-Whitesville Boys Basketball players to pick up the donations that have been left at local drop boxes around the county.
Coach Jimmy Joyce said, “It was a great opportunity for the guys to see what it takes to be a part of the community.”
On Friday, Feb. 9, the boys were picked up at school by an Access Allegany bus that was delivering them to the various locations. The first stop was the Office for the Aging, followed by Genesee Valley Central School and then to the County Courthouse. While at the courthouse, they also had the chance to visit the legislative chambers and a courtroom.
Allegany County Youth Bureau Program Director, Brian Perkins, said, “We thought it would be an opportunity for them to see what happens at their local government offices. The boys all seemed to enjoy the experience.”
The boys then were taken into Wellsville for a few more pickup locations at Community Bank, First Citizens Community Bank and Wellsville Central School. ALCO Federal Credit Union also provided a cash donation, which then was used at Tops where the student-athletes got to do some shopping and see how well they could budget to get the most bang for their buck.
“It was awesome to have the help gathering donations this year. The boys were all great and I think they even learned a few things along the way.” said Gwen Cooper, Mobility Manager with Ardent Solutions, contracted by Allegany County. “We also want to thank the community for their donations to this program every year.”
This collaboration all came together through the Allegany County Traffic Safety Board, which Joyce, Perkins, and Cooper are all members. During a meeting of the committee in January, there was discussion about the Soup-er Bowl of Caring event and the three discussed a plan to work together.
“The opportunity to have groups come together is always something I am looking for,” said Perkins. “Being able to involve the kids and show them how different parts of our community need to work together for the betterment of others made this collaboration extra special.”
The Soup-er Bowl takes place annually as a collection of necessary food supplies that will be distributed to a coalition of food pantries in Allegany County. It culminates in a donation event on the Saturday before the NFL Championship game each season at Tops Markets in Wellsville. You can also find additional information on being able to help your local food pantry at https://www.accordcorp.org/food-pantry-resources.
