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Commissioner Balya Extends Early Christmas Presents to County
Charities and Vocational Schools
Posted 12-19-2002
Continuing a holiday tradition he began in 1996, Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom
Balya today announced $250 donations to 14 nonprofit charitable organizations and
vocational technical schools in Westmoreland County.
The annual donation marks the seventh
consecutive year that Commissioner Balya has fulfilled his pledge to return to the
community a 15 percent salary increase that was awarded to county elected officials in
1996. Balya voted against the increase, which was approved by the majority of the Board of
Commissioners.
"These donations will help those
organizations this holiday season that help improve the quality of life in our county
throughout the year," Balya said. "In 1996, I pledged to refuse the pay raise
that my then-colleagues voted to approve and instead give it to charity. With these
donations, I am continuing to fulfill my commitment, while also helping those in need this
Christmas."
With this year's contributions, Balya has
donated $24,500 to charitable organizations and vocational schools through his annual
Christmas donation.
"Nonprofit organizations like ours
depend on the generosity of others to effectively serve the public," said Kathy
Burkley, director of the Humane Society of Westmoreland County. "Commissioner Balya's
contributions will help us and the other recipients achieve our respective missions, and
we're thankful for his continued support."
Balya made $250 donations to the following
organizations:
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Alle-Kiski Learning Center -- Arnold
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Bethlehem Project, Blessed Sacrament
Cathedral -- Greensburg
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Central Westmoreland Career and Technology
Center -- New Stanton
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Douglas School of Business -- Monessen
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Eastern Westmoreland Area Vocational
Technical School -- Latrobe
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Humane Society of Westmoreland County --
Greensburg
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New Kensington Youth Projects -- New
Kensington
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Northern Westmoreland Career-Technology
Center -- New Kensington
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PACleanways -- Greensburg
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ParentWise, Inc. -- Greensburg
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Toys for Tots -- Jeannette
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Union Mission -- Latrobe
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Westmoreland AIDS Service Organization --
Greensburg
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Westmoreland County Food Bank, Inc. --
Delmont
The donations are being distributed through
the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County. The scholarships presented to the various
vocational technical schools are awarded to students based on criteria set forth by the
respective schools. |
