The United Way of Venango County announced Wednesday at its annual celebration that it raised $704,819 of total giving in its recent campaign.
The amount is higher than any other year and $208,893 more than last year.
Will Price, executive director of the United Way of Venango County, said the increase is due to two factors.
The first factor was COVID-19, and Price said “We did fundraising around the COVID issue. Our community members really wanted to help their neighbors, and they knew United Way could help.”
Price said the second factor is the continuation of a trend as the campaigns have been growing every year since 2016.
But even with the upward trend, Price said he was surprised by the final amount raised.
The total raised includes funding for the agency’s annual campaign as well as funds specifically designated toward COVID-19 programming.
The funds will be put toward 26 programs throughout 14 partner agencies in the areas of health, education and income. Price said United Way believes these areas are the building blocks for successful lives.
Funding was received for specific COVID-19 pandemic assistance programs, and the United Way partnered with other nonprofits to implement programs such as COVID relief programs for struggling nonprofits and individuals.
The United Way also created learning hubs to provide children operating on a remote or hybrid schedule with the proper tools and support to advance academically. And the agency distributed masks and sanitizer and delivered groceries to residents who were more susceptible to the virus.
The United Way also has its own internal programs including the Imagination Library, Enrichment Program, Success by Six, PA211, School Care Closets and Get Connected, a volunteer database.
In addition to those programs, the United Way is holding an Easter meal distribution from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Rocky Grove fire hall.
The distribution will be held on a first come, first serve basis with every household receiving a ham and a food voucher for Sander’s Market in Franklin.
Outstanding volunteer
The United Way also announced at Wednesday’s celebration that Minnie Fink of Oil City received the Marion Spence Award for outstanding volunteer service.
Fink has volunteered at United Way for more than 20 years and donated hundreds of hours of her time. She has held several officer positions with the United Way board, including president, vice president and treasurer.
Fink served twice as co-chair of United Way’s annual campaign and transitioned both times to chair the campaign.
She has volunteered at all special events and at programming meetings.
