Elk County- Doug Gaffey, St. Marys Area United Way President presented a $80,000 grant award to the Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys Chief Executive Officer Joe Jacob, Tracy Snyder, Program Director; and Emily Crowe, Group Supervisor.

The St. Marys Boys and Girls Club was one of the first rural club started by the National Boys and Girls Club. St. Marys Area United Way has a long-standing relationship of over 98 years with the club. When this relationship first started, United Way was known as the Community Chest. This kinship has only been possible because of strong community support. The Boys & Girls Club plans to use this grant, as it has always in the past, to help fund a portion of its operating expenses. The balance of expenses is covered by the club’s annual campaign. The club receives no funding from state or government grants. Therefore, besides the minimal membership fees, the Club relies on grant funding and local donors to help keep the club functioning and viable since 1923.

In 2022, the club served 81 youth members on average after-school each day. Some of the more notable after-school programs, offered to the youth members, include: Homework Club where certified teachers from Saint Marys Area School District are available to help children with their homework; Cooking Club to learn how to cook easy meals at home; Ukelele Lessons; Drama Club; S.T.E.M Hour to further skills relating to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Recycling Club where children learn to recycle and clean up the downtown area and local parks; and, much more! The club is currently taking registrations for their 2023 Great Futures Summer Program, with new and exciting summer activities. Full details and applications are available online and at the club. For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, call 814-781-1910 or by emailing jjacob@smboysandgirlsclub.com. 

Over the next couple of weeks, the United Way will continue to notify the public of all the grant recipients and award amounts. The grant funding disseminated in 2023 is as a result of the funding raised during the St. Marys Area United Way 2022 campaign. Funding raised in 2023 will be available for organizations to seek grant funding in 2024.

The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. If you would like to become one of these individuals or corporate donors, please call 781-6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 44 So. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857