By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
SALAMANCA — Area children got an early start on the Christmas holiday Friday at Santa’s Carnival Trunks and Treats.
Due to interior renovations, Connecting Communities in Action — CCA — had a drive-thru version of its annual Santa’s Carnival this year.
Andrew Studley, CCA executive director, said the organization was determined to hold its annual Santa’s Carnival — even if they had to do it outside.
“It’s the first time we’re doing it outside due to the renovations,” Studley told the Olean Star.
Despite temperatures in the upper 20s, parents brought hundreds of children.
Employees from different CCA departments decorated the trunks of cars and dressed up in various holiday outfits including Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, a Christmas tree and an elf.
Each child walked from car to car where they were greeted warmly and given toys, candy and other gifts and left with a smile.
Visitors entered by the Jefferson Street drive at CCA and were marveled by the Christmas-themed decorated cars of staff and volunteers.
The next day, CCA volunteers joined the Salamanca Schools Transportation Department in a Fill The Bus event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Save-A-Lot on Church Street for a Holiday Food Drive.
The CCA Food Pantry, located at dock area for pickup at 25 Jefferson St., is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m.
