Sponsors of the annual Cents for St. Susan’s Campaign sponsored by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities are pictured at a wrap-up party. The 2025 campaign raised a record amount.

Sponsors of the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities “Cents for St. Susan’s” campaign recently met to learn that a record $36,330.22 has been raised to help St. Susan Center through this year’s two-month effort.

The 2025 campaign raised $928 more than in the 2024 campaign.

The 2025 fund drive signifies the 26th annual campaign led by the BPU. Since the year 2000, when the first drive was held, the BPU’s effort has raised $431,851.13 – nearly a half million dollars – for the local soup kitchen and its guests.

“I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, this year’s ‘Cents for St. Susan’s’ sponsors and the entire community for their incredible support during this year’s ‘Cents for St. Susan’s’ campaign,” said St. Susan Center Executive Director Cherie Rowland. “The funds raised will make a significant impact on our ability to provide essential services and meals to those in need. It is truly inspiring to see how our community comes together to support one another, ensuring that no one goes hungry. Your generosity not only sustains our mission but also reinforces the spirit of compassion that defines the greater Jamestown area. Thank you for standing with us and for those we serve.”

Contributions in 2025 again included coins, dollars and checks collected in 50 canisters placed around our community, redeemable can and bottle donations, checks mailed to the utility and major donors who contributed $500 or greater sponsorships.

This year’s sponsors include Judy and Steve McAllaster, Northwest Bank, the Robinson Law Office PLLC, Asplundh, Boyles Motor Sales, Century 21/Turner Brokers, Dan & Connie Evans, Falconer Printing & Design, Inc., Kwik Fill, The Legend Group with Lou Deppas, National Fuel, R-Patti Excavating & Concrete, Robbins & Johnson Attorneys, Shults Auto Group, Slone-Melhuish Insurance, Store-N-Lock, Wendel, Weinberg Financial Group and Wright, Calimeri PLLC Attorneys. The Jamestown Post-Journal and the Media One Radio Group donated time and space to the campaign.

“We are grateful to our major sponsors and to members of the community who donated gifts through our campaign coin canisters,” said David Leathers, BPU general manager. “The BPU organizes this drive every year, but it is the people’s generosity that provides this significant assistance for St. Susan Center.”

BPU employee volunteers donated their lunch breaks to hold a June hot dog sale outside the utility Customer Service Office. The group ultimately raised $1,217.50 for the drive, by cooking and selling hot dogs, chips, water and soda. Local residents donated redeemable cans and bottles at Don’s Car Wash and the Southside Redemption Center, totaling $372.15.

Becky Robbins, BPU communications coordinator and organizer of the annual fund drives, thanked the community for its donations to support the soup kitchen.

“The BPU thanks the entire community who came along with us to help St. Susan Center and its guests,” said Robbins. “We are truly grateful for your continuing support of this campaign each year.”

“We are fortunate to live in the greater Jamestown community, where people care about and take care of each other,” added Leathers. “We thank all the supporters of this year’s drive, and also the businesses that furnished counter space for all the coin canisters. We can’t thank you enough.”