United Way Needs More Help

OTSEGO COUNTY—As of mid-December, the United Way of Mid Rural New York campaign has only reached 11 percent, or $10,779.00, of its $97,500.00 goal for Otsego 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 will close its annual fundraising campaign on December 31, 2024.

“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 also have many United Way initiatives, like the Otsego Micro Loan project, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Regional 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,” Monaco said.

According to Monaco, contributions from the United Way campaign will be used in 2025 to fund “local programs right here in our community that address the issues of a healthy community, opportunities for youth, financial security and community resiliency in Otsego County.”

These are new categories for 2025, according to a media release. Every program that is funded through the United Way’s competitive Request for Proposal process must demonstrate measurable results and lasting change within the community. For example, because of donations to the United Way last year, more than 250 Otsego County young children received monthly books in the mail through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program and are increasing early literacy skills, and more than 4,300 elementary school students across the county received free dental products to help increase oral hygiene.

The United Way of Mid Rural New York is raising funds across its footprint for Chenango, Delaware and Madison counties. The regional goal for the United Way is $562,900.00 and, to date, the United Way has reached 52 percent, or $290,632.00 of that total regional goal. More than 55 programs have requested 2025 funding from the United Way of Mid Rural New York across the four counties served, totaling more than $800,000.00.

“Times are challenging for our communities,” Monaco said. “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. It’s critical that we raise as many dollars as possible so that we can fund as many programs in our communities as we possibly can,” Monaco added.

The United Way of Mid Rural New York’s campaign will conclude on December 31. 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, visit www.uwmrny.org.