BIG FLATS, N.Y. (WENY) – Friday, Dandy MiniMart announced another record breaking year for their 2019 Dandy Canes community fundraising campaign.

From November 25 through December 26, Dandy customers were invited to make donations of a dollar or more to local charities and organizations handpicked by store employees. Participants are then given a paper “Dandy Cane” to sign at the store to acknowledge the donation.

100% of the funds stay within the community. This year, $89,195 was raised for more than 100 local charities – an increase of nearly $5,000 compared to last year.

In Big Flats, Dandy presented checks of more than $1,400 each to the Chemung County Meals on Wheels and the Big Flats American Legion Post 1612 to help local seniors and veterans in need.

“I just want to thank Dandy and thank them for choosing us this year,” said Darlene Ike, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels for Chemung County. “It's amazing; they overdid it again. Last year was a record, this year is a record and they're just wonderful people in supporting the community, just like the rest of the community does for us.”

“Thanks you everybody for putting your money into this,” said Thomas Farrell, Board President of Corporation for the Big Flats American Legion Post 1612. “We'll be using it in a good manner that will go to the veterans.”

For more information about Dandy Canes and a complete list of 2019 recipient organizations, click here.