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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) – The 24th annual “Cents for St. Susan’s” campaign is now underway with hopes of raising enough funds to help the local soup kitchen continue operations.
Over the past 23 years the Jamestown BPU has taken the initiative to raise funds for the ever growing needs of the city’s only soup kitchen.
“Cents for St. Susan’s began as basically a food drive in the year 2000,“ explained Becky Robbins, BPU Communications Coordinator. “And some money was collected, and then as time went on we realized that St. Susan’s can plan their meals better if you just provide money. So, now we’re in our 24th year of raising money for St. Susan’s.”
For those at the St. Susan Center, what they provide on the daily is a needed service.
“We’ve had over 1,000 more people from this month than what we had in February,“ said Cherie Rowland, Director at St. Susan’s. “In February we had about 3,069 people, at the end of April we had around 4,069 people, so you’re seeing an increase.”
One aspect that the soup kitchen prides itself on, is the sense of community created within their walls.
“Sharing tables is the most human thing we can do in this world,“ explained Rowland. “And you know, St. Susan’s does that. We share tables with each and every person that comes in. We’re hoping that there could be some sort of transformation from these people that come in.”
Over the past 23 campaigns, it is estimated that the drive has raised $307,611.64 dollars.
Other fundraising efforts planned by the BPU include a hotdog sale on June 2nd, a can drive at Don’s Car Wash and the Southside Redemption Center, as well as accepting mailed in gifts.
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