Elk County, PA — At a recent St. Marys Area United Way board meeting, Jason Gabler, a board member and owner of Advantage Metal Powders, presented a generous corporate donation on behalf of the company. This donation was accepted by United Way President Jim Ryan, Vice-President Doug Bauer, and board members Rob Oleary, Erica Hayes, John Dippold, and Mark Saline.

Advantage Metal Powders, based at the intersection of Route 948 and 219, three miles south of Ridgway, PA, manufactures virgin and remill powder metal blends for both the automotive and non-automotive sectors. Through its corporate giving program, Advantage supports the St. Marys Area United Way, enabling employees to make monthly contributions via payroll deduction. In a further show of commitment, owner Jason Gabler matches 100% of all employee contributions to the United Way, underscoring the company’s dedication to local philanthropy.

This contribution will help St. Marys Area United Way work toward its 2024 fundraising goal of $220,000. Funds raised will be allocated to nonprofit organizations across the area in 2025, supporting initiatives that improve health, education, and welfare in the community.

St. Marys Area United Way provides grants to local nonprofits that meet specific eligibility requirements, including:

• 501(c)(3) status,
• A service area within the St. Marys Area School District,
• A mission aligned with health and human welfare,
• Registration with the PA State Bureau of Charitable Organizations or an exemption.

Eligible organizations are invited to apply for 2025 funding by calling 814-781-6000 or visiting www.smauw.org by the December 15, 2024, deadline. Grant recipients will be announced in early 2025.

Thanks to last year’s campaign, the United Way supported a variety of local programs and organizations in 2024, including:

• Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services,
• Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys,
• Boy Scouts Bucktail Council,
• CAPSEA,
• Catholic Charities,
• Dickinson Center’s Crossroad Program and St. Marys building project,
• Elkland Search and Rescue,
• Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania,
• Guardian Angel Center,
• Jay Township Fire Department,
• St. Marys Public Library,
• St. Marys Recreation and Parks,
• Elementary library programs in the St. Marys Area School District,
• Maintenance of the Eternal Flame in downtown St. Marys.

Since its founding in 1925, St. Marys Area United Way has been dedicated to fostering the health and welfare of the community by supporting trusted local nonprofits. Contributions from corporate partners like Advantage Metal Powders and individual supporters are essential to the organization’s ongoing mission.

For more information on becoming a donor or corporate partner with the St. Marys Area United Way, please call 814-781-6000.