Elk County, PA — The St. Marys Area United Way Board convened on January 29, 2026, for its quarterly meeting to celebrate the success of the 2025 fundraising campaign, announce grant awards, and recognize the generosity of the community that made the campaign possible.

The organization extends heartfelt thanks to local residents, businesses, and partners whose contributions helped St. Marys Area United Way meet—and exceed—its annual fundraising goal. Through payroll deductions, corporate giving, leadership contributions, and individual donations, the community rallied together to support vital services that strengthen health and human welfare throughout the region.

Funds raised through United Way campaigns are distributed locally through grant support for nonprofit agencies that provide critical programming and assistance for individuals and families across Elk County and the surrounding communities.

For the upcoming year, the St. Marys Area United Way has once again set a campaign goal of $200,000. In 2025, the organization surpassed that benchmark, raising a total of $208,076. This total included $19,301 from employee payroll programs, $86,765 in corporate donations, and $90,409 from Leadership Donors—individuals contributing $500 or more. Additional support included $7,367 in other individual gifts, $4,204 in commercial donations, and $30 in memorial contributions.

As a result of this successful campaign, the Board conducted its annual agency reviews on January 20 and 21 and recommended grant awards for a variety of local organizations providing essential services. Agencies receiving support include Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, the Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, CAPSEA, Crystal Fire Department, Dickinson Center’s Crossroads Program, Elkland Search & Rescue, Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, Guardian Angel Center, Dolly Parton Imagination Library (c/o Johnsonburg United Methodist Church), Jay Township Fire Department, St. Marys Ambulance Service, the St. Marys Area School District Library Program, St. Marys Public Library, the City of St. Marys Recreation Department, West Creek Recreational Trail, and the gas cost to maintain the Eternal Flame located in downtown St. Marys.

The St. Marys Area United Way deeply appreciates the continued support of both individuals and businesses. Donations directly benefit residents throughout the St. Marys Area School District, including the communities of Force, Brynedale, Kersey, Weedville, Benezette Township, Fox Township, Jay Township, and St. Marys.

Photo Caption: Pictured are members of the St. Marys Area United Way Board and representatives of the Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys. During the agency review process, the Board invited the Club to join the photo as a public expression of gratitude to the community and in recognition of one of the largest recipients of United Way funding.

Photo (L–R): Shane Ford, United Way Board Member; Jim Hackett, Boys & Girls Club President; Emily Crowe, Boys & Girls Club; Doug Bauer, United Way President; Bill Olson, United Way Secretary; Jim Ryan, 2025 United Way President; Jason Gabler, United Way Board Member; Joe Jacob, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club; Jeff Azzato, United Way Board Member; and Doug Gaffey, United Way Board Member.