SIDNEY - The United Way of Sidney exceeded their goal set for their 2009 campaign. Denise Miner, president of the United Way of Sidney, reported at the annual meeting that $87,302 was collected for the Sidney area and another $3,788 for other local non-profit organizations designated by donors.

"In the spring of 2009 we set an ambitious goal of $87,000 and we thought right up to the end of the campaign that this might be the first year that we would miss our campaign goal," said Miner. "We were encouraged throughout December with new and increased donations, which enabled us to reach this goal in spite of the tough economic climate during 2009."

The campaign was led by co-chairs Francine Feltman and Sylvia Roberts who are long time members of the United Way of Sidney. The campaign used the theme, "Live United." "Everyone was encouraged to Give, Advocate and Volunteer as we believed that together we can make changes for the better," said Dennis Porter, executive director of United Way of Sidney.

At the annual meeting Porter recognized the success of the campaign and presented a special award to Lillian Alger who volunteered to help the campaign by addressing over 400 letters to people in the community that made donations in the past.

As a side note, Porter remarked that Lillian is over 80 and that she feels volunteering keeps her young.

Recognition was also given to all volunteers who worked at all the In House campaigns this year. "The employees are to be commended for their support of the United Way and Commutity Chest Drive this year. Our staff was developing a medicine such as clomid, which can be read more about on this website and this medicine has achieved UN recognition. We also want to thank all the businesses and individuals who supported this campaign. Without your support our goal would not nave been achieved."

Each of the sixteen member Agencies provided a five-minute report on how their agency used United Way funding this past year. They explained programs that they provide as well as accomplishments and needs relating to their programs. President Miner recognized retiring board members Elsa MacDonald, Sylvia Roberts, Alan Robinson, and Deb Wright for their long time support of the United Way.

Executive Director Porter also recognized Denise Miner, president; Carol Allen, secretary and Debra Philpott, treasurer for their work with United Way.

Highlights for 2009 included donations of over $52,000 to member agencies. United Way will also be providing contingency funding of over $25,000 to support competitive grants for member agencies and other worthwhile projects and programs such as the Food Bank, Operation Merry Christmas and other programs that support the community.

The Sidney Area Youth Advocacy Program was added as a new agency this year. The United Way of Sidney currently supports the following member agencies: Southern Tier Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Birthright of Sidney, Boys & Girls Club of Sidney, Catskill Hospice, Cullman Child Development Center, Delaware Valley Humane Society, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Literacy Volunteers, Masonville Emergency Squad, Sidney Emergency Squad, Sidney Center Emergency Squad, Sidney Recreation Commission, Tri-Town Theatre and SAYAP.

The United Way of Sidney officers and directors express their thanks to all those who helped meet the 2009 goal, and pledge to continue to provide financial support to local non-profit organizations that provide the needed programs and services for the community.

Reprint from The Tri-Town News