The St. Marys Area United Way Leadership and Corporate Campaign committee convened on September 11, 2024, to review the progress of the ongoing 2024 fundraising campaign.

The organization extends its heartfelt thanks to the community for the generosity shown during the 2023 campaign and for contributions already made toward the 2024 effort. Funds raised in 2023 were allocated for local organizations to apply for grants this year, helping address the health and human welfare needs of our region. These contributions, sourced from companies and individual donors, are vital to the operation of non-profit agencies serving our community.

For the 2024 campaign, the St. Marys Area United Way has set a goal of $220,000. In 2023, contributions included $18,178 from employee payroll programs, $78,317 in corporate donations, $86,255 from leadership donors (individuals contributing $500 or more), $3,691 from other individual donations, and a $24,205 memorial donation from the Ed Eckl estate. The funds raised in 2024 will be available for distribution to local non-profits in January 2025.

The United Way expresses deep gratitude to all individuals and businesses who continue to support its mission. Funding directly benefits the residents of the St. Marys School District, including the communities of Force, Brynedale, Kersey, Weedville, Benezette Township, Fox Township, Jay Township, and St. Marys.

Thanks to the success of the 2023 campaign, the United Way funded a variety of critical organizations, including Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, the Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, Boy Scouts Bucktail Council, CAPSEA, Catholic Charities, Dickinson Center’s Crossroad Program, Dickinson Center’s 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, the St. Marys Area School District elementary library program, and the maintenance of the Eternal Flame on the Diamond in downtown St. Marys.

Non-profits interested in applying for 2025 grant funding should submit applications by December 15, 2024. For more information about application requirements, contact the United Way office at 814-781-6000 or visit www.smauw.org.