NORWICH – The United Way’s 2006 campaign is off to a strong start. As of Oct. 5, the group has already raised $42,000, and that is before they include the business blitz that will be beginning soon.

“A small donation can have a big impact,” said Community Campaign Chair Charlie McMullen. He explained that donating $1 a week could pay for 10 days of daycare subsidy for a low-income family, 100 meals at an area food pantry, or 12 drug prescriptions for families without medical insurance. “If every person donated $1 a week, gave up one soda, the results would be amazing,” McMullen said.

McMullen explained that most questions people have about the United Way can be answered by taking a few minutes to look at either the pledge form or the brochure. “The brochure has everything you need to know,” McMullen said. Where your money goes and the programs it is used for are in the brochure, and the pledge form allows you to designate what you want to give and who you would like to receive it. “Everyone has their favorite charities, but we help them all.” He explained that if people have further questions, they can call the United Way at 334-8815.