NORWICH – The Chenango County United Way Campaign will come to a close on Friday, Dec. 29. With only three and a half weeks left in the campaign, the United Way is facing a difficult season, and its community partners are beginning to get nervous.

At this time last year, the Chenango United Way had raised $401,000; unfortunately this year they have raised slightly more than half this amount. As of Dec. 1, the United Way reported raising only $244,000. “We have never been this far behind in the eight years I have been here,” said Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco. “All of the local services rely on United Way funding each year to provide their services. If we do not raise enough money, some programs will be de-funded and a huge unmet need will occur.”