NORWICH – Despite the many challenges presented by a slowly recovering economy, the Chenango United Way raised a total of $420,921.69 – 96.7 percent of its 2011 campaign goal of $435,000.

While that number represents a decrease of approximately $2,000 from last year’s total, Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco reported an increase in participation countywide, with 1,917 contributing in 2010 as compared to 1,850 in 2009.

According to Monaco, the number of people who donate annually to the United Way is just as important as the actual amount of money raised, and 23 of the 45 companies which ran internal employee campaigns exceeded their campaign goal.

“This was a really difficult campaign due to the fact that so many people had less to donate, but we’re beginning to see some economic improvement and business growth,” stated Monaco. “People typically gave less, yet more people contributed, which, to us, is a good sign.”