Basket raffle will raise funds for OCALS to promote literacy

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Carolyn Wagner, a board member of Orleans County Adult Learning Services, stands near the window of Case-Nic Cookies, where she has set up a basket raffle to benefit the literary organization.

MEDINA – A basket raffle to benefit Orleans County Adult Learning Services will be the first major fundraiser the organization has attempted during more than a decade of service.

OCALS, which receives funding from United Way of Orleans County, is hoping to raise much-needed revenue and create more awareness in the community by holding the basket raffle at Case-Nic Cookies.

“A lot of people still don’t know who we are,” said Carolyn Wagner, a board member of OCALS.

Wagner organized the raffle and is very grateful for the support she has received – from local businesses and individuals.

A total of 44 baskets are on display in Case-Nic’s window and tickets for the raffle can be purchased in the store. There are baskets suitable for children, gardeners and adults with many other interests, as well as a variety of gift certificates.

Like other raffles Case-Nic has participated in, customers buy as many chances as they wish, then indicate the baskets they want to win on a form.

The raffle starts Friday and ends with the winners drawn on July 29. Wagner will call winners on July 30, she said.

OCALS, which was founded to promote literacy in Orleans County, works with the schools, families, young people and adults to improve reading skills. All tutors are volunteers, and more are always needed.

“I know the stigma people endure who can’t read,” Wagner said. “Our services are free and confidential for all ages.”

Wagner said she joined OCALS board because she is passionate about reading.

Recently, OCALS participated in Medina’s Community Yard Sale by having its first ever book sale. Wagner said they sold 1,000 books.

OCALS is accredited by Pro-Literacy, a nationally based literary organization.

Before the pandemic, they were serving 100 individuals a year and providing more than 1,200 units of service.

Anyone wishing to inquire about services can log onto their Facebook page or www.ocals.org.