Photo by Amy Cherry Roseann Kronenwetter of the Guardian Angel Center, located on Main St. in Kersey, was the featured speaker at Wednesday’s United Way kickoff luncheon.

By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

The St. Marys Area United Way kicked off their 2009 fundraising campaign Wednesday afternoon during a luncheon held at the St. Marys Country Club.

United Way Executive Director Julia Reitz noted that due to the economic downturn the organization has reduced its overall goal by $15,000 brining this year’s campaign goal to $200,000.

“This was a very painful decision for the board and the review committee,” Reitz said. “We continue to look for help in growing support from people on the street. We really need all the help we can get.”

“In these difficult economic times its very encouraging to have this level of support for the United Way. We want to extend our thanks in supporting our effort,” added United Way Board Chairman Nick Gismondi.

Roseann Kronenwetter of the Guardian Angel Center, located on Main St. in Kersey, was the featured speaker at the event.

She began by providing an abbreviated history of the organization which receives funding from private donations, churches and grants.

In order to stock the center with needed clothing items volunteers wait for sales at area stores and use monies to purchase a variety of items.

This year the Center has assisted 350 families by providing 2,500 pairs of jeans, 2,000 undergarments, 200 school bags and 612 pairs of shoes.

Those utilizing the Center’s services must meet strict income eligibility guidelines as specified by the state. The Center also provides clothing for those with exceptional circumstances such as fire victims and those who have become unemployed.

“Many clients wait in line for two hours at the Center. They come form different areas, but 69 percent at from the St. Marys Area School District,” Kronenwetter said. “We’ve never turned anyone down.”

Many wait in line because each child is given individual attention and tries on a variety of shoes and clothes until they find what they like.

The Center began with a mere five volunteers and has grown to 30.

“We try hard to make people feel as comfortable as possible,” Kronenwetter said.

Kronenwetter added the Center has received numerous letters from clients expressing their thanks and gratitude.

She read excerpts from two letters, the first stating “we appreciate everything you’ve done for us and for your loyalty and patience to the families.”

The second letter stated “the volunteers treated us with the utmost kindness and respect and made us feel welcome and respected when we visit.”

Recently DuBois Agape Church contacted the Center stating they are planning to open a similar charity. According to Kronenwetter Guardian Angel volunteers plan to train them in their endeavor.

“We would not survive without help from the United Way and other charities. Thank you and God Bless,” Kronenwetter said.

Fifteen organizations benefited from the 2008 campaign including;

Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys receiving $77,188; Boys Scouts receiving $18,000; American Red Cross of Elk and Cameron Counties receiving $12,000; Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services receiving $8,000; Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services receiving $7,600; CAPSEA (Citizens Against Physical, Sexual, Emotional Abuse) $6,500; St. Marys Youth Council receiving $6,400; Girls Scouts receiving $5,432; Guardian Angels receiving $4,500; Dickinson Mental Health-Project CROSSROADS receiving $3,500; Oak Manor receiving $2,700; Veteran’s Memorial-Eternal Flame receiving $2,200; Elkland Search and Rescue receiving $1,100; St. Marys Community Pool receiving $1,000 and St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail receiving $945.

Community support totaled $157,065 with United Way of America dues totaling $2,135 and $18,500 taken out for operating expenses. In total $177,700 was distributed in 2008.

Of the 2008 funds 46 percent was obtained from the Leadership Club, consisting of individuals giving $500 or more, 39 percent from the manufacturing industry from company gifts and employees, 11 percent from commercial business and four percent from other individuals and special events.

Reitz added that she is available to offer presentations about the United Way to employees at area businesses. She can be contacted at the organization’s office at 781-6000.