ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- Chemung County's oldest charity, The Arctic League, is already preparing for its 2020 Christmas season.

The Arctic League provides Christmas presents to children in Chemung County, delivering the gifts on Christmas morning. The gifts are purchased with donations from people and organizations throughout Chemung County, with donations being logged in the charity's "Big Book." The Arctic League also hosts a televised broadcast each year at the Clemens Center, to raise funds for the next year's campaign.

This year, The Arctic League will open its "Big Book" about a month earlier than normal, to begin its annual fundraising campaign earlier than it traditionally does. Board President, Christina Sonsire, says the charity recognizes the need may be greater than ever this year, as more families are struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"I want everyone in the community to know, the Arctic League does not have any set requirements that people need to meet to receive gifts. Our philosophy is, and always has been, that you're in need, if there is something that is happening in your family's financial life right now, where you don't believe you're going to be able to provide for your children at Christmas, please apply," Sonsire said. 

Applications for families to apply to receive gifts are being distributed to children in schools across Chemung County. The applications can also be submitted online, and are available for download. Applications can be returned by mail, or dropped off at the Arctic League headquarters at 249 West Clinton Street, Elmira NY 14901. For a link to the online application, click here: http://www.arcticleague.com/apply