Record Setter: 27th annual Cents for St. Susan’s campaign sets record
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Sponsors of the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities "Cents for St. Susan's" campaign recently met to celebrate a record $42,386 raised in contributions to help St. Susan Center through this year's two-month campaign.
In 2025 $36,330.22 was raised during a similar period.
The 2026 fund drive signifies the 27th annual campaign led by the BPU. Since the year 2000, when the first drive was held, the BPU's effort has raised over $474,000 – nearly a half million – for the local soup kitchen and its guests.
Contributions in 2026 again included coins, dollars and checks collected in 50 canisters placed around the 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, Chautauqua Chemicals Company, the Robinson Law Office PLLC, Asplundh, Boyles Motor Sales, Cattaraugus County Bank, Century 21/Turner Brokers, Dan & Connie Evans, Falconer Printing & Design, Inc., Inscale, Inc., Invoice Cloud, Kwik Fill, The Legend Group with Lou Deppas, National Fuel, Northwest Bank, Robbins & Johnson Attorneys, ServPro, Shults Auto Group, Slone-Melhuish Insurance, Sprypoint, Store-N-Lock, Weinberg Financial Group, and Wright, Calimeri PLLC Attorneys. The Jamestown Post-Journal and the Glenora Radio Network donated time and space to the campaign.
BPU General Manager Kristofor Sellstrom spoke in support of the utility's annual campaign for St. Susan Center.
"We are grateful to our major sponsors and to members of the community who donated gifts through our campaign," Sellstrom said. "The BPU organizes this drive every year, and each and every year our community generously supports the campaign to provide significant assistance for St. Susan Center and its guests."
BPU employee volunteers donated their lunch breaks to hold a June hot dog sale outside the utility Customer Service Office. The group ultimately raised $1,748 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 in the amount of $353.55.
"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 Cherie Rowland, St. Susan Center executive director. "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."