NORWICH – The Chenango United Way raised $423,032 during its 2009 campaign, 91 percent of its $465,000 goal, Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco announced Thursday.

“The downturn in the economy has amplified the need within our community while having the unfortunate effect of decreasing total United Way donations this year,” said Monaco. “Although the campaign came in lower than our goal, the Chenango United Way Board of Directors is pleased to announce that they have maintained the total allocable funds for 2010 at 2009 levels.”

Supplementing the campaign with a one-time release of reserve funds will allow the board to maintain this level of funding to assist the United Way’s Community Partner Programs, reported Monaco.

On a positive note, Monaco said the Chenango United Way had 1,850 total givers in this year’s campaign, 248 of whom were new, and that 475 givers increased their annual donation this year by at least $1 per week.

“We’re very proud of the work the community did, and how companies have rallied, to support the United Way,” stated Monaco. “We think that change is on the horizon and that things are really beginning to improve.”