More than $17,000 raised as local businesses, organizations, schools, and residents unite to support U.S. Navy sailors
Community packing party scheduled for Sunday, November 1 in Belmont
From the USS Jason Dunham Christmas Care Package Campaign,
What began as a goal to send 300 Christmas care packages to the crew of the USS Jason Dunham has grown into an extraordinary example of community generosity. Villages, businesses, civic organizations, veterans’ groups, schools, and individuals throughout Allegany County and nearby communities have pulled together in a remarkable show of support for the sailors serving aboard the U.S. Navy destroyer.
The campaign has now received $17,414.13 in monetary donations, along with hundreds of dollars’ worth of donated items. Contributions continue to arrive, and organizers say the response has far exceeded their original fundraising goal.
Two major contributions recently helped propel the campaign forward. On Tuesday, October 27, the Allegany County Sheriffs Association, Council 82, Local 3989, presented a generous $3,500 donation. Saputo also delivered a $3,000 donation, along with several boxes of care-package items. In addition, Saputo provided seven boxes containing personal-care products, snacks, and other fun items for the sailors.
“These donations are truly astounding, and we are so excited and grateful for the response,” said Shannon Harding, co-chair of the campaign and President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 808. “Residents from all over Allegany County have stepped up to the plate in a very short period of time. The willingness of our communities, businesses, schools, and organizations to come together for these sailors and Marines has been incredible. We are so appreciative of this stellar effort and accomplishment.”
A Community Effort That Goes Above and Beyond
The original campaign goal was to fund the shipping of 300 Christmas care packages. With monetary contributions now well above the initial target, organizers plan to use funds raised beyond the original goal to purchase additional packing supplies and more items for each crew member, helping make every package even more meaningful.
Donations have come from American Legion and Auxiliary units, Sons of the American Legion squadrons, veterans’ groups, civic organizations, businesses, and individuals. Local schools and students have also joined the effort, including the Scio Central School History Club, Scio fifth- and sixth-grade students, Wellsville art students, and GVS elementary students. Scio students are creating cards to include in the packages, adding personal messages of appreciation from children in the community.
Businesses have contributed both financial support and supplies. Along with Saputo, supporters include Casella Waste Management, Lounsberry Septic Service, Olney Foust Funeral Homes, Allegany Card Expo, Walmart in Hornell, Tops Friendly Markets in Wellsville, and Runnings in Wellsville.
More Than Donations: Messages of Gratitude and Personal Stories
The campaign has become about much more than raising money and filling boxes. Shannon Harding has received kind letters, heartfelt wishes, and personal stories from veterans that have deeply touched her throughout this effort.
“The messages, well wishes, and personal stories shared with me by veterans have been incredibly heartfelt,” Harding said. “They are a reminder of just how much these connections matter and why this effort is so important. The generosity of our community has been amazing, but the personal messages and stories have made this experience especially meaningful to me.”
To make sure the sailors understand the full extent of this community support, a list of the donors will be included in the care packages sent to the crew. This will allow the sailors to see the many individuals, businesses, organizations, and community groups who came together to make this effort possible.
Every donation, donated item, handmade card, and volunteer hour represents a message from home: You are appreciated, you are supported, and you are not forgotten.
Major Supporters and Organizational Donors
The campaign gratefully recognizes the following organizations and businesses for their reported contributions:
- Allegany County Sheriffs Association, Council 82, Local 3989 — $3,500
- Saputo — $3,000, plus donated care-package items
- Casella Waste Management — $1,500, plus donated items, bottles, and beef sticks
- Allegany County SAL — $1,000
- Lounsberry Septic Service — $600
- Wreaths Across America – Belmont Legion Family — $500
- Angelica Legion Hill Warner Post 414 — $500
- Scio Hometown Heroes and Wreaths Across America — $500
- Olney Foust Funeral Homes — $500
- Belmont Rotary Club — $300
- Hugh Lynch Post 737 — $300
- Belmont Legion Post 808 — $250
- SAL Squadron #808 — $250
- American Legion Auxiliary Unit 808, Belmont — $250
- Angelica SAL Hill Warner Post 414 — $250
- American Legion Riders of Wellsville — $105
- Wellsville Auxiliary Post 702 — $100
- Catherine Schuyler Chapter DAR — $100
- Allegany Card Expo — $35
Additional in-kind support has been provided by Walmart in Hornell with a $50 gift card, Runnings in Wellsville with a $200 gift card to purchase supplies, and Tops Friendly Markets in Wellsville with donated items. Saputo’s seven boxes of personal-care products, snacks, and other items are another welcome contribution to the packages.
Individual donors have contributed a combined $3,874.13, demonstrating the important role residents are playing in this countywide effort.
Join Us for the Packing Party!
The community is invited to help bring this effort across the finish line at a packing party hosted by American Legion Herbert W. DeLong Post 808 in Belmont, together with the Dunham family and volunteers.
Sunday, November 1, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Belmont American Legion Post 808
29 Schuyler Street, Belmont, NY
Volunteers will help prepare the care packages for shipment to the USS Jason Dunham crew. Individuals, families, students, community groups, and anyone willing to lend a hand are welcome. Students who need community service hours are especially encouraged to participate.
The Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens game will be on, making it a chance to help a meaningful cause while enjoying some football with the community.
Media Are Welcome and Encouraged
Members of the media are warmly invited to attend the packing party and share this uplifting hometown story of giving. The effort offers an opportunity to highlight how communities, businesses, schools, veterans’ organizations, and individuals can make a meaningful difference when they work together.
Organizers hope the story will inspire others to continue supporting service members and recognize the generosity of the people and organizations who have made this effort possible.
Showing Our Sailors They Are Remembered
The USS Jason Dunham’s crew serves far from home, and these care packages are a way to remind them that their community is thinking of them during the holiday season.
“We started with a goal of sending 300 packages, and the community has responded in a way that has exceeded our expectations,” Harding said. “Every contribution, every donated item, every handmade card, and every volunteer hour matters. We want these sailors to know that people here at home appreciate their service and are proud to support them.”
The campaign continues to welcome donations and volunteers as preparations move forward. Organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed, shared the campaign, donated supplies, or offered their time.
Together, Allegany County is showing the crew of the USS Jason Dunham that they are remembered, appreciated, and never forgotten.
Media and Volunteer Contact
Shannon Harding
Co-Chair, USS Jason Dunham Christmas Care Package Campaign
President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 808
Phone: 716-909-2601
