United Way almost half way to its fundraising goal

The Press & Sun-Bulletin reported that at $1.6 million, the United Way of Broome County is clocking in at about 42 percent of its fundraising goal for the year.

United Way Executive Director Alan Hertel gave a mid-campaign update Tuesday at a meeting of Binghamton Rotary Club 64. So far, the nonprofit has $1,614,328 in pledges and donations toward its $3.85 million goal, he said. The campaign runs through Nov. 13.

"We're pretty close to where we were at last year," he said.

County residents have been hit hard by layoffs and financial woes, which had an impact on giving. In 2008, the United Way raised $3.85 million, falling short of its $4.01 million goal. The group also fell short in 2007, raising $4 million of the $4.04 million goal. Read more here.