CHENANGO COUNTY — As of mid-December, the United Way of Mid Rural New York campaign has reached 50 percent ($216,070) of its $425,000 goal for Chenango County.

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 closed its annual fundraising campaign on December 31, 2023.

“It’s so important that we raise as many dollars for our community as possible," said Elizabeth Monaco, Executive Director of the United Way. “We have 18 programs in Chenango County that rely on a strong campaign for 2024 funding. We also have many United Way initiatives, like the Chenango Micro Loan project, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and the Chenango Dental Task Force 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 United Way campaign will be used in 2024 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 United Way last year, more than 1,500 Chenango County children received monthly books in the mail through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program and are increasing early literacy skills, and 13 local food pantries and soup kitchens purchased more than 25,000 pounds of food.

The United Way of Mid Rural New York is also raising funds across its footprint for Madison, Otsego, and Delaware Counties. The regional goal for the United Way is $600,000 and to date the United Way has reached 55 percent ($330,814) of that total regional goal.

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 within our four-county region. Each county is doing a great job of raising funds, but we still have progress to be made. I’m excited to see where we end up at the conclusion of this year’s campaign!”

The United Way of Mid Rural New York’s campaign concluded on December 31, 2023. 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 www.uwmrny.org.