EBENSBURG — United Way of the Southern Alleghenies members have set their 2024 campaign goal to raise $1.15 million over the next fiscal year to support families in Blair, Cambria and Somerset counties.

During a campaign kickoff breakfast held Tuesday at The Imperial Room banquet hall in Cambria Township, United Way staff member Paula Gojmerac said the organization has already raised $61,000 toward its goal because of Power of the Purse — an annual event held in Johnstown during which people purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win authentic name brand purses.

Last year, the event raised $58,000, she said, adding her hope this year was to surpass that amount by a single dollar.

United Way of Southern Alleghenies was able to serve over 82,000 people — more than ever before — by distributing over $1 million in grants, according to staff member Karen Struble Myers.

“None of this would be possible without you, our donors, and the outstanding work of our partnering agencies,” Struble Myers said, noting the organization is “on track” to do “amazing things” in the next year.

She said the organization’s members are thrilled to have an active partnership with the Johnstown Housing Authority. Together, over the last two years, they’ve given away nearly 200,000 diapers to meet the most basic needs of community members’ children.

Struble Myers said they’ve added three new diaper distribution sites in September — Oakhurst Homes and Solomon Homes in Johnstown and the Windber Public Library.

In Blair County, through a partnership with the Healthy Blair County Coalition, thousands of hours of activity have been counted through the coalition’s active living challenge, which focuses “on making all of us move a little bit more in our daily lives,” she said.

According to the United Way’s website, the organization also makes an impact in Blair County through programs like Stuff the Bus, which gave school supplies and backpacks to 551 school-aged children; Toasty Toddler, which supplied 598 children age 5 and younger with winter wear; and the Glass Slipper Project, designed to make prom gowns more affordable each year through a free boutique shop in the Logan Valley Mall.

Senior Management Resources senior partner Nick Jacobs, the breakfast’s keynote speaker who attended virtually via Zoom, said he believes people have special interests inside them that leaders seek to uncover.

Jacobs said United Way of the Southern Alleghenies is about uncovering “the passionate givers among our ranks” who inspire and encourage others to help those in need throughout the three-county region.

When people unite with a purpose, they are greater than the sum of their parts, he said.

United Way of the Southern Alleghenies board Chairman Jerry Zahorchak said United Way’s mission has always been about helping its neighbors, building stronger communities and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

“With your compassion and support, we’re ready to take on this year’s campaign and make it the most impactful one ever,” Zahorchak said.

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.