Cents for St. Susan's raises more than $13,000
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JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — "There's just not enough money in the budget to feed myself and my son," said Margaret Graham, Jamestown resident.
Which is why Margaret Graham of Jamestown has been eating at the Saint Susan Center Soup Kitchen for the last 18 years.
"The amount I get in food stamps is barely enough for one, much less two people, so I have to supplement it, I come here and this gives me a meal and a snack, couldn't make it without it," said Graham.
To date, the Center has served more than 47,000 meals and is headed toward another record breaking year; already up nine percent over last year.
"It has a lot to do with the kids being out of school. We serve fifty to a hundred more everyday. The numbers continue to grow; people on unemployment, struggling, some are the working poor that come for a meal, we're meeting the need, but there is a greater need than ever, greater demand," said Sue Colwell, St. Susan Center Executive Director
To help meet the demand, the Jamestown Board Of Public Utilities recently wrapped up its 12th annual Cents for Saint Susan fundraiser that started in April.
The BPU presented the center with a check Thursday for more than $13,000, well exceeding its $10,000 target.
"And we feel that the organization does a really good job helping the community, and their need rises every year, and so we're happy to be part of helping them meet their needs," said Becky Robbins, BPU Communications Coordinator.
"We couldn't keep our doors open one day without the community involvement... very exciting, second year in a row we've been over 13,000 dollars, so that shows the care of the community," said Colwell.
Care, for those like Graham who are extremely grateful to the Center.
"It's a lifesaver... me and 90 percent of the clientele here wouldn't be able to make it throughout the month it," said Graham.