Community News

United Way of Greater Oswego County recently accepted items that were donated through SUNY Oswego’s SEFA (State Employees Federated Appeal) supported Holiday Toy, Food and Pet Supply Drive with help from Oswego Elks Lodge.

The Oswego Elks Lodge generously offered their location as a drop-off point for the collection drive so that the entire community could have the opportunity to pitch in.

United Way of Greater Oswego County says the coronavirus pandemic is making the need for food donations greater than ever.

“While we’re all experiencing COVID-19 in different ways, it has really affected those families who were already struggling,” said Patrick Dewine, executive director of United Way of Greater Oswego. “Because of the generosity of SUNY Oswego’s SEFA campaign and through the donations from the public, we can provide some relief to families in need this holiday season.”

This year the collection drive saw over 800 items donated on campus and over the 4 collection days at the Elks Lodge. The drive supported Oswego County’s Children’s Fund through the donation of toys and Paws Across Oswego County and the United Friends of Homeless Animals through the pet food and supply donations. The Salvation Army of Oswego County was on hand this week to accept the donations of food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies at SUNY Oswego.

All donations stay in Oswego County, helping make the holidays a little brighter for struggling families.

United Way of Greater Oswego County works with local businesses to offer donated food collection opportunities as a way to relieve some of the financial burden that many families face during the holiday season. The holidays are an expensive time for many in the local community and can be especially difficult for families and individuals whose food budgets are already limited. However, the need doesn’t end with the holiday season. If your business or organization would like to organize a food collection or support United Way with a donation, call 315-593-1900 or visit our website. Individuals in need of assistance can call 211 or visit www.211cny.org.

# # # About United Way of Greater Oswego County:

United Way is advancing the common good by changing systems to help all of us. We are all connected and interdependent. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, when people are healthy. United Way’s goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of these problems. Living united means being a part of the change. It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future.

For more information about how to support the efforts of United Way of Oswego County, please call 315-593-1900 or visit www.oswegounitedway.org.