Jenna Lyon smoothed her burgundy-colored dress and adjusted her brown belt as she stood behind a table covered in gifts during Tuesday's opening of the Arctic League's Big Book. Her excitement was apparent; it's not every day a 12-year-old gets so much media attention.
The Big Book, a leather-bound ledger sitting directly in front of Jenna, was opened earlier that morning, kicking off the Arctic League's annual fundraising drive. It contains the names of nearly all Arctic League donors since 1912. Susie Alexander, president of the Arctic League's board of directors, had the honor of opening the Big Book this year.
"This book has been the symbol of the Arctic League for 102 years," Alexander said.
This year marks Alexander's first as president, though she has been an active member on the board for the past 10 years.
"Each year I re-read the story," Alexander said. "It gets me in the spirit."
The story is one famous to Elmira:
On Christmas Day in 1912, Danny Sullivan, a member of the Arctic League, came across a young boy in desperate need of care. Sullivan took the boy back to Lagonegro's Cigar Store, the meeting place for the Arctic League, where he and other members helped the boy.
The men began to expand on their good work throughout Elmira. And as the list of children to be cared for at Christmastime grew, so did the Arctic League.
Three new Arctic League board members were introduced at today's opening ceremony. Jeff Richard, a former photographer for the Star-Gazette, was the first to sign the Book.
"I've seen what the Arctic League has done for the community," Richards said. "To be part of the group directing it all is an honor."
Fellow new board members David Andreine, executive director for Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Developmental Services Inc., and Gene McNulty, a former biology teacher at Thomas A. Edison High School, also signed the Book.
This year, the Arctic League hopes to raise $120,000 to help nearly 4,000 children. The money raised this year will be used to purchase gifts for the 2014 Christmas season.
Last year's drive raised $123,000 to help children this Christmas.
"I like to give gifts that are educational," Alexander said. "We have Scrabble, crayons - that kind of stuff."
In early December, volunteers will begin packing gifts. Jenna will be among them.
"I have also packed bags last year for the Arctic League," Jenna said in her application to become the honorary bell ringer of the League this year. "I loved seeing everyone come together to help out your great cause."
Jenna also volunteers at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and St. Mary's Southside.
"We're very proud of her to come here to volunteer," said Jenna's mother, Sarah Lyon. "She always surprises me with how much she likes to help others."
Page 2 of 2 - Jenna will ring the bell at the Arctic League's annual broadcast from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Clemens Center in Elmira. It will air on WETM Channel 18 and WENY Channel 36, and be heard on local radio stations. Community members are also invited to watch the show live in the Clemens Center, free of charge.
To make a donation:
• Mail a contribution to Arctic League, Inc., PO Box 113, Elmira, New York, 14902.
• Stop by any of the 14 "Big Book" locations:
Minier's, Big Flats; Cappys, Community Bank N.A. and M&T Bank, Elmira; Chemung Canal Trust Co., Christmas House and Solutions Credit Union, Elmira Southside; West End Beverage and Grocery, Elmira Westside; Chemung Canal Trust Co., Five Star Bank and Palmer's Hallmark Card and Gift Shop, Elmira Heights; Chemung Canal Trust Co. and Wade's Jewelry, Horseheads; and Shepherd's Food Market, Pine City.
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