CHENANGO COUNTY — With less than a month until the end of the year, many across greater Chenango are stressing the usual rush of the holidays and the like–but for those close to the Chenango United Way (CUW), the countdown from now to December 31st means crunch time within organization's annual fundraising campaign.

As it closes in on the looming deadline, the United Way has began the process of gauging the numbers and comparing them to other recent campaign years, and so far things could be better.

“Money has been coming in very slowly this year, and there are some challenges in the community that we believe will continue to make fundraising difficult through the end of the year,” said CUW Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco late last week.

Monaco reports that as of last Friday, the United Way has received $217,000—equating to just over 50 percent of the $419,000 goal it needs to fund critical initiatives and programs thought the county next year—a stark contrast to the 80 or 90 percent the organization typically sees rounding the first week of December.

In addition to money being tight for many patrons that usually give generously, Monaco said that another reason for the potential shortcoming is that many just get caught up in the holidays and forget to make their annual contribution to the campaign.

“We know that families are busy this time of year,” said Monaco. “So we're really trying to get the word out and encouraging community members to remember to make their donations before they get too busy with the holiday season.”

United Way Operations Manager Victoria Mitchell sees every check and donation made to the organization cross her desk. “Right now it's not looking good, and we need a boost from as many people as possible to ensure continued funding for these vital services,” she said.