NORWICH – Staffers and volunteer board members of the Chenango United Way say they're pleased with the progress of this year’s campaign which serves as the single largest fundraiser for the local chapter of the nonprofit.
A small gathering was held at NBT Bank corporate headquarters before the organization’s cairn “thermometer” – which gauges the campaigns headway though the end of the year.
“Putting the first red indicator on the thermometer is always exciting, and we're very tankful to all who have supported the 2014 thus far,” said Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco, Thursday.
Last year's campaign raised over $420,000 in funding that was distributed to both philanthropic organizations and individuals in need throughout Chenango County.
In light of the diverse disadvantages that many of the county's poor are burdened with, the CUW's funding streams are more spread out than ever; covering the gamut from literacy and education to emergency prescription care and housing stabilization.
With a marked increase in the number of working families struggling to make ends meet as evidenced by an influx in local food pantries that regularly serve the working poor, the United Way's position as a community safety net is more apparent no than ever.
CUW forecasts that in 2014 it will see at one-half of one million dollars in funding requests from it's partner organizations who rely on funding from the United Way to continue offering vital services to the community.
“One of keys of raising funding is also raising awareness, many in the community are simply unaware of the struggle that a large portion of our community members are faced with,” said Monaco. “We hope that having the thermometer out there serves as a constant reminder to those who can give that it all adds up.”
Monaco stresses that the amount of a donation doesn't matter, and that every little bit helps.
“Giving one dollar per week equates to $52 per year – which is enough to provide literacy tutoring or budget counseling to help families break the cycle of poverty and get them on their feet.”
At $421,000 this year's campaign goal been set slightly higher than last year’s donations.
As of this week, Monaco indicated that 12.5 percent of the 2014 goal has been reached brining the account to nearly $53,0000.
Funds disbursed by the Chenango United Way reach far across the county. In every township of Chenango County, funds raised through CUW are dispersed in one fashion or another, picking up slack where local, state and federal governments have cut funding.
“This is a very good start and we're confident that we will meet out goal and continue to support the community,” added Monaco.
The annual campaign will run through the end of the year, December 31.
To donate or for information on how to have a donation of any amount deducted from your employee payroll, call the Chenango United Way directly at 334-8815 or visit chenangouw.org.