CHENANGO COUNTY – With the needs of the community at an all time high, the United Way is kicking off its 2007 campaign hopeful that this year they can raise more money than in years past.

On Saturday, an official United Way kick off event, the “Day of Caring,” will be held, but according to United Way members, the campaign has already begun.

“It’s a ritual of the fall season,” said Jamey Mullen Executive Director of the YMCA. “We’re ready to re-educate everybody on the needs of the community in Chenango County and reintroduce them to the community based agencies that address those needs.”

In the next several weeks, the CUW will begin receiving funding requests from area agencies. Instead of setting an arbitrary goal this year, the CUW is releasing what they anticipate the needs of the community to be and, based on numbers from last year, they estimate over $700,000 in requests to come in this year.

“The number has always been there, but it was never publicly stated,” said Mullen.

“It’s a huge stretch for the goal, but it is a real number,” said Amber Harrison of Norwich Pharmaceuticals Inc.