ZELIENOPLE — Coming off a record-setting year of generosity by the community, the Connoquenessing Valley Community Chest has high hopes for this year as it kicks off its fundraising effort in October.

Donation forms will be mailed out Tuesday to residents, with the annual fund drive running into February.

The community chest far exceeded its goal of $35,000 last year by raising more than $51,000. The community chest’s fundraising has been successful over the past several years, exceeding its goals and raising more than $45,000 annually.

Steven Casker, who takes over as president of the community chest this year, said the goal has been raised to $40,000, and a new group, Parents in Toto, a support group for autistic people, has been added.

Parents in Toto seeks to create a welcoming environment where parents, diagnosed individuals, families and friends can gather socially, educationally and spiritually without judgment or prejudice.

The group’s center in Zelienople provides support and products related to autism and related conditions generally not available elsewhere.

The community chest raises money for these groups: the Zelienople Community Park, the Southwestern Butler County Food Cupboard, Meals on Wheels and the Zelienople Public Library. They provide services to Zelienople, Harmony and Lancaster and Jackson townships.

“I grew up in Zelie and spent my summers at the park. I also spent a lot of time at the library, so for me the drive is personal,” said Casker.

Donations can be mailed to Connoquenessing Valley Community Chest, P.O. Box 343, Zelienople, PA 16063 or made through PayPal at the website www.cvcommunitychest.com.

For information, call Casker at 724-452-5020, e-mail info@cvcommunitychest.com or visit the group’s website.