17-05-2025
Foundation to oversee county flood aid drive; Somerset Rotary gives $1,000 to Salvation Army
SOMERSET, Pa. – The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies will manage donations for a Somerset County Disaster Recovery Fund that is being launched in response to devastating flooding in the southern part of Somerset County.
'As the cleanup and recovery process gets into its next phase, this fund will provide needed financial support to local organizations assisting our friends and neighbors impacted by the flooding with unmet needs and provide a place to donate for all who have asked us how they can help,' Somerset County President Commissioner Brian Fochtman said.
The county and eight communities issued disaster declarations after southern Somerset County was flooded, and Fochtman said earlier this week they were exploring ways to help.
The nonprofit CFA has worked for years collecting donations and managing funds for community efforts and local entities.
The fund is now accepting donations, which will be disbursed immediately to nonprofits assisting Somerset County residents with flooding response and recovery, the foundation said in a media release.
The Johnstown-based nonprofit simultaneously announced it was committing a $10,000 grant as the first donation to get the fund started.
To oversee the distribution of these grant funds, the Somerset County commissioners are working with the Somerset County Emergency Management Agency to organize an advisory committee, which will include social service, faith-based, and emergency response communities, the release added.
'The Community Foundation is uniquely equipped to promptly address immediate or urgent needs that unexpectedly arise across our region,' said CFA Executive Director Angie Berzonski. 'The Somerset County Disaster Recovery Fund will provide essential resources for nonprofits, facilitating both the early response and the ongoing recovery efforts within the county.'
A link will be available to allow people to donate online through
To donate by check, make checks payable to the Somerset County Disaster Recovery Fund, and mail them to 216 Franklin St., Suite 400, Johnstown, Pa. 15901.
Somerset County Solicitor Benjamin Carroll said the commissioners will have a fund management agreement with the foundation on Tuesday's meeting agenda.
Following the current flooding recovery, the fund can remain open in support of future natural disasters and other crisis situations in Somerset County, Berzonski said.
Rotarians lend support
The Somerset Rotary Club donated $1,000 Friday to the Salvation Army for flood relief.
The donation began by passing the club's 'magic box,' which at first raised $185. Members voted for the club to match individual contributions. By the end of the meeting, members gave $500, which the club matched.
'This is what I like about the Somerset Rotary Club,' said Harold Shaulis, president. 'When there's a need, they're quick to address it.'
G. Henry Cook told the club that the Somerset Fire Department had loaned a fire truck to Meyersdale, whose vehicles suffered flood damage.
Others told of heroic assistance by fire companies and other responders. Some Rotarians and relatives had suffered flood damage.
Gale Purbaugh, Salvation Army service unit director, told of relief activities by the unit and commended the Rotary Club for its generosity.
