As the clock winds down on its 2019-20 campaign, the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties hopes for a rousing finale.
The organization reported Thursday its fundraising total stood at $2,514,236, or 78.6% of the goal of $3.2 million, with two weeks to go in the campaign.
United Way officials said they feel good about where they are.
“We are optimistic with our great group of volunteers and the great generosity of our communities here in Lackawanna and Wayne counties that we’ll make a really good push and have a very good number to report on Nov. 21,” said Lewis Critelli, Wayne Bank president and CEO and general campaign chairman.
Nov. 21 is the date of the United Way’s community celebration at Genetti Manor in Dickson City, when the organization will announce whether the campaign met its target.
Gary Drapek, United Way president and CEO, said while the organization knows the next two weeks will require hard work and diligence, it’s not an unusual position for United Way to find itself in.
There are some donors who traditionally wait until the very final days of the campaign to see how fundraising is progressing before making a contribution, he said.
Another reason for optimism, both Drapek and Critelli said, is the still fairly large number of companies that are in the middle of their employee campaigns and have yet to report contributions.
“The last two weeks are really tough and then the last two or three days are a huge push,” Drapek said. “It’s never say never and we have been really fortunate over the years.”
Critelli said he believes the individuals and businesses who contribute to the United Way understand they are not just meeting a need but making an investment in their local communities.
“You’re investing in helping young children to read. You’re investing in science programs for middle-schoolers. You’re investing in health monitoring for the elderly. You’re investing in transportation services,” he said. “Our community always steps up and helps meet those needs.”
Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9132