CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango United Way kicks off this year’s campaign on Sept. 27 with the second annual Day of Caring and a goal to raise at least $465,000.

No one at United Way expects raising money to be easy this year. The rising costs of gas, heating fuel and groceries is expected to take toll on the campaign. But as CUW Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco explains, those factors will also have an impact on the number of people needing United Way-funded programs and services.

“It’s a tough year, and everybody is making tough decisions about where to spend their money, but if we don’t increase participation and raise more money, the community is going to be struggling even more than they are now,” Monaco said.

“Last year, we kept saying, you never know when you may be needing to utilize United Way programs,” said Campaign Director Victoria Mitchell. “Some people may already be finding themselves in that position.”