Sponsors of the 27th annual Cents for St. Susan’s Campaign, organized each year by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, are pictured during a kick-off event this week.

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities has launched its 27th annual “Cents for St. Susan’s” campaign.

Over the past 26 years, the BPU’s efforts — supported by the community — have raised $431,851.13 in support of St. Susan Center.

Bright yellow coin canisters have once again been placed throughout the community, giving residents an easy way to donate loose change, cash or checks to support the soup kitchen. Checks payable to St. Susan Center may also be mailed to the BPU at P.O. Box 700, Jamestown, NY 1470, or dropped off at the BPU Customer Service Office.

Donations can also be made online while paying utility bills. Redeemable bottles and cans may be donated at BPU Customer Service or at Don’s Car Wash in Lakewood, provided they are designated for St. Susan Center.

Donations may also be made on the Events page of the St. Susan Center website under “BPU Cents for St. Susan’s.”

A hot dog sale is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 12, outside the BPU Customer Service office at 92 Steele St. Employees will volunteer their lunch hours to sell hot dogs, chips, soda and water, with all proceeds benefiting the campaign. Redeemable bottles and cans may also be donated during the sale.

“We are grateful to receive the support of major sponsors for our 27th campaign,” said Becky Robbins, BPU communications coordinator and organizer of the yearly drive. “I wish to recognize Judy and Steve McAllaster, the Chautauqua Chemical Company, the Robinson Law Office, Spry Point, Asplundh, Boyle’s Motor Sales, CCB, Century 21/Turner Brokers, Dan and Connie Evans, Falconer Printing & Design Inc., Inscale PC, Invoice Cloud, Kwik-fill, The Legend Group with Lou Deppas, National Fuel, Northwest Bank, Robbins and Johnson Attorneys, ServPro, Shults Auto Group, Slone-Melhuish Insurance, Store-N-Lock, Weinberg Financial Group, Wright Calimeri, PLLC Attorneys and one anonymous person. Media sponsors include the Media One Radio Stations and the Jamestown Post-Journal, which donate valuable communications space in print and airtime.”.

BPU General Manager Kristofor Sellstrom expressed his appreciation for everyone involved, noting that the BPU is proud to lead the campaign each year in support of St. Susan Center’s guests.

“Our employees are honored to support the soup kitchen and stand with those who help ensure every member of our community is met with dignity, compassion and a warm meal,” said Sellstrom. “It is inspiring to see how much can be accomplished by seventy-five dedicated volunteers working alongside a small staff.”

St. Susan Center is located at 31 Water Street in Jamestown and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The Center is closed on Sundays and only closes on four additional days each year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day, with special holiday hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

“For 27 years, Cents for St. Susan’s has proven that beautiful example of Jamestown taking care of its own,” said St. Susan Center Executive Director Cherie Rowland. “Those yellow cans represent more than spare change. They represent compassion, dignity, and neighbors looking out for one another. Because of this community and partners like the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities and its many sponsors that support Cents, we’re able to share tables with every guest, with respect, a warm meal, and the reassurance that they matter. We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity of the BPU and its sponsors, which makes our work possible.”

St. Susan Center purchases food through FeedMore NY, formerly the Western New York Food Bank. Thanks to their partnership, every dollar donated provides six dollars’ worth of food for those in need.

“The St. Susan Center served 49,287 meals in 2025, a clear reminder of the ongoing need in our community,” added Robbins. “Continued support for the soup kitchen is essential, and every contribution to the BPU’s ‘Cents for St. Susan’s’ campaign makes a meaningful difference and is sincerely appreciated.”