Commissioner Balya Donates $3,500 to County Charities and Vocational Schools

Posted 12-18-09

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 14th 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. Commissioner Balya voted against the increase, which was approved by the majority of the Board of Commissioners.

"It is my pleasure to continue to make good on my pledge to return this money to the community," Commissioner Balya said. "These donations will help those organizations this holiday season that help so many others throughout the year."

The organizations receiving $250 donations are:
• Alle-Kiski Learning Center – Arnold
• Bethlehem Project, Blessed Sacrament Cathedral – Greensburg
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Laurel Region – Greensburg
• Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center – New Stanton
• Consortium for Public Education – Mon Valley
• Eastern Westmoreland Area Vocational Technical School – Latrobe
• Humane Society of Westmoreland County – Greensburg
• Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania Foundation – Countywide
• New Kensington Youth Projects – New Kensington
• Northern Westmoreland Career Technology Center – New Kensington
• Westmoreland Cleanways – Greensburg
• ParentWise Inc. – Greensburg
• Union Mission – Latrobe
• Westmoreland County Food Bank – Delmont

"These fine organizations help vulnerable people and help students enhance their education," Balya said. "To be able to assist them in their missions is a privilege."

With this year’s contributions, Commissioner Balya has donated $49,250 through his annual holiday donation.

Donations to these groups are distributed through the Tom Balya Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County. The scholarships presented to the various vocational schools are awarded to students based on criteria set forth by the respective schools.