United Way of SC in Final Stages of Campaign

United Way of Seneca County Campaign Co-Chair Jeff Hoffman announced last week at the annual celebration luncheon that this year’s campaign is on track to reach its goal of $335,000 by the end of January 2009.To date, $287,557 of the total goal has been attained in spite of the sagging economy, early retirements and layoffs that have affected the United Way’s Workplace Campaign. The good news though, is that the contributions of several area groups have increased from last year, including 150 first-time donors. Seneca County employees have given 33 percent over last year, the Seneca Cayuga ARC has upped its donations by 6 percent and ITT Goulds is $8,000 over its internal goal.The Schools Campaign has also been pinched by the economy, said Barb Rosencrans, campaign coordinator for the school districts. Early retirements, little or no salary increases, and young staff just out of college with large debt and few ties to the community, are all factors that have affected fundraising, said Rosencrans. Despite those challenges, the Waterloo school district increased its total contribution by 33 percent, she reported.The United Way funds 23 non-profit agencies that serve Seneca County residents, specifically those that focus on the areas of health, income and education. Through research and community data, the United Way has identified these focus areas to be the building blocks for a good life- a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.United Way Board of Directors President Charlie Schillaci told guests at the celebration that New York’s funding crunch “has the potential to affect what we do in the community,” but that the community’s support “ensures the success of what we do locally.”For more information on how to give to the United Way of Seneca County, visit www.uwseneca.org or email [email protected]