From staff reports
United Way of Venango County announced Thursday that it achieved its goal of $495,000 in its annual fundraising campaign.
The agency raised $495,926, according to Will Price, executive director of the local office.
“This is a huge accomplishment as it is the highest amount ever raised,” Price said.
The funds raised will be used toward 25 programs throughout 14 partner agencies, all in the areas of health, education and income.
The programs and allocation amounts are determined by a panel of volunteers to ensure the donations of the community are being used wisely and effectively in the areas needed most, Price said.
United Way not only funds other agencies but also facilitates programs of its own.
The Imagination Library is an early literary program providing free books to children from birth to age 5. The books are delivered directly to the children’s home once a month at no cost to the families.
In the past year United Way added two new programs, Success by 6 and Personal Care Closets.
Success by 6 is an early education program for children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall. The six-week summer program is operated by teachers, selected by the school district, and provides children an insight on what they can expect in the upcoming school year.
Price said data shows at least 45% of Venango County residents are touched in some way by each dollar raised by the United Way. This can include The Back to School Hair Affair, contacting PA211, or one of the numerous programs of the agency’s community partners.
Money raised by businesses, individuals and foundations benefited more than 30,000 people in 2019, according to Price.
“The magnitude of people helped through United Way’s campaign is incredible,” he said. “Through this generosity, so many people will receive support through education, health, basic needs and financial stability.”
“It’s an amazing thing this campaign does,” said campaign chairman Erin Hanna. “The true winners are the folks who will benefit from the campaign,” she said.
