The Chenango United Way has reached 57 percent of their $425,000 fundraising goal for the 2022 campaign. The campaign has been running since mid-September and will conclude on December 31. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY — As of early December, the Chenango United Way campaign has reached 57 percent of its $425,000 goal. The campaign has been running since mid-September and donations have been coming into the United Way through employee payroll pledges and through individual mail solicitations. The campaign will close its annual fundraising campaign on December 31, 2022.

“It’s so important that we raise as many dollars for our community as possible," said Elizabeth Monaco, Executive Director of the Chenango United Way. “We have 19 programs that rely on a strong campaign for 2023 funding. We also have many United Way initiatives, like the Chenango Micro Loan project, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and the Foster Care Bag Project that depend on a strong annual campaign to serve our communities.

"This last year has been difficult for so many of our families and we need to ensure that local programs are able to continue functioning and that funding remains available for them through the United Way. It’s critical that we meet and exceed our goal to be able to do that.”

Contributions from the Chenango United Way campaign will be used in 2023 to fund local programs that address the issues of income (basic needs and financial stability for local families), education, and health in Chenango County.

Every program that is funded through the United Way’s competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process must demonstrate measurable results and lasting change in our community. For example, because of donations to the CUW last year, more than 1,600 children received monthly books in the mail through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program and are increasing early literacy skills, and 14 local food pantries and soup kitchens purchased more than 25,000 pounds of food.

Said Monaco, “Times are challenging for our communities. Families are struggling with increasing grocery bills and rising utility and heating costs. I’m so proud of local employers who have rallied their employees to support the United Way campaign.

"Every little bit makes a difference and when those donations are joined with the contributions of others, we can truly make an impact for Chenango County. I’m excited to see where we end up at the conclusion of this year’s campaign!”

The Chenango United Way campaign will conclude on December 31, 2022. For more information about the annual campaign, call the United Way office at 607-334-8815. To learn more about the organization or to make a contribution, you can visit the organization’s website at ChenangoUW.org.

-Information provided by the Chenango United Way