The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (CCOFAS) has enjoyed a special partnership with our local baseball team over the years, creating opportunities to recognize the remarkable individuals who make a difference in our community.
In 2023, we had the privilege of celebrating one of Chautauqua County's most beloved volunteers, Mr. Russ Diethrick, affectionately known as "Mr. Baseball." Russ was honored as New York State's Volunteer of the Year and received the Governor's Exemplary Service Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to our community. It was especially fitting to celebrate him at the ballpark, a place that bears his name and reflects his lasting legacy.
For the past several years, CCOFAS has dedicated the month of July to recognizing the many volunteers who support our contracted agencies and programs throughout Chautauqua County. We are especially grateful for the volunteers who help deliver meals, provide companionship, and support this service that allow older adults to remain healthy, independent, and connected in their communities.
As part of our volunteer appreciation efforts, CCOFAS is pleased to offer two free tickets to the Saturday, July 25, 2026 baseball game to any Chautauqua County resident age 60 or older who visits one of our three office locations while supplies last. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. and features a fun Christmas in July theme along with a spectacular post-game fireworks display.
This year's event also marks the kickoff of our 2026 Santa for Seniors Campaign.
Each holiday season, CCOFAS and our community partners provide visits, gifts, household essentials, and holiday meals to older adults who may otherwise face the holidays alone. Through the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and community organizations, we help ensure that seniors throughout Chautauqua County experience the warmth, joy, and connection of the holiday season.
We are proud to partner with the First Baptist Church of Mayville and Hurlbut Church of Chautauqua to make this program possible. In addition, many senior clubs throughout the county contribute handmade gifts and collect essential items to remind older adults that they are valued members of our community and that no one has to face the holidays alone.
How You Can Help
There are several ways to support the 2026 Santa for Seniors Campaign and help us bring smiles to older adults this holiday season:
- Make a donation to the Reverend J. Paul Womack Christmas Basket Fund through Facebook.
- Purchase items from the First Baptist Church of Mayville's Amazon Wish List for Santa for Seniors.
- Donate books of postage stamps to help encourage letter writing, social connection, and the sharing of stories among older adults.
CCOFAS will have an information table at the July 25 game. We invite you to stop by, learn more about our programs and services, and discover how you can make a difference in the lives of Chautauqua County's older adults through volunteering, advocacy, or supporting the Santa for Seniors Campaign.
Join Us at the Ballpark!
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Game Time: 6:30 p.m.
Christmas in July Theme
Post-Game Fireworks
Free tickets for adults age 60 and older are available on a first-come, first-served basis at any CCOFAS office location while supplies last.
We hope to see you at the ballpark as we celebrate volunteers, community spirit, and the many ways we can work together to support older adults throughout Chautauqua County.
