By JIM ECKSTROM

jeckstrom@oleantimesherald.com

OLEAN — For Susan McAuley, executive director of the United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties, it’s one of her favorite times of the year.

Community Day — with United Way volunteers out at key intersections across Olean, Allegany and Salamanca selling special $1 editions of the Olean Times Herald — starts bright and early at 6 a.m. Friday.

Each paper sold helps turn a spotlight on the work done by local organizations funded through United Way — groups like Directions in Independent Living, Houghton Royal Family Kids Camp and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier. The Times Herald edition will feature numerous articles, with accompanying photos, of the agencies that benefit from United Way fundraising.

“Just going through the articles, getting them ready for the edition, it shows the amazing work that is being done throughout Cattaraugus and Allegany counties,” McAuley said, noting that Community Day annually serves as the unofficial kickoff of the year’s fundraising campaign.

While the paper sellers will be out for the 33rd year at prominent intersections Friday morning in virtually any weather, McAuley said she is keeping a wary eye on a forecast that calls for rain.

“Of course, our volunteers will be out there, even if it’s raining, but we do worry about thunder and lightning,” she said. “That’s the only thing that would keep us from being out there.”

McAuley also noted that continuing construction has shut down what’s been a traditionally active Community Day intersection — Henley and Union streets — but she said longtime volunteers there will sell papers at other intersections.

Last year’s Community Day raised more than $3,900, an increase of a few hundred dollars over 2023. Volunteers sold approximately 1,800 papers, and seven of the corners completely sold out — a true reflection of the community’s enthusiasm and commitment to the cause.

“Every year, we are amazed at the generosity of the community during this event,” McAuley said. “We want to thank everyone who continues to support United Way and the programs that help our neighbors thrive.”

The Gold Cone winner in 2024 was a group stationed at 1st and Main streets in Allegany, who set a new benchmark by raising $592. Team members were Al Bernstein, Paula Bernstein, Paula Scraba, Nikki Wiseman and James McAuley.

The Silver Cone award went to the corner of Front and Main in Olean, where volunteers raised $558. Team members were John Clark, Jose Sanchez, Kirk Windus and Monica Emery.

“The Olean Times Herald truly values the efforts those volunteers make in getting papers sold for a great cause,” said Jim Bonn, chief operating officer of Bradford Publishing Co., which publishes the OTH.

“We’re also very proud of the role we play in making Community Day such a successful tradition,” he added. “From staffers in the newsroom to our production, printing press, mailroom and delivery team, they all understand how vital it is that our press run and distribution goes smoothly for such an important day.”