CHENANGO COUNTY – In 2020 Chenango United Way raised more than $428,000, and funded 19 programs along with four community impact initiatives, getting the majority of its goal and raising more than $100,000 for COVID-19 relief efforts.

According to Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco, thanks to some last minute donations from the Chenango County community, they were able to reach approximately 95 percent of their campaign goal for 2020.

Monaco said the funds raised are dedicated towards helping people in Chenango County, and many people who have been seeking help since the start of the pandemic are people who have never asked for help before.

“Our community was in rough shape before COVID hit, and this pushed ALICE families over the edge,” said Monaco.

She said ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed and represents approximately 40 percent of the Chenango County population. She added that people who make above the federal poverty level, but less than the cost of living fall into the ALICE population.