SIDNEY - United Way of Sidney continues to help its communities through financial assistance to organizations that make Sidney, Sidney Center and Masonville better places to live.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, 19 United Way Focus Agencies were recognized for their community work and contributions at the Sidney United Way annual meeting. Included at the breakfast gathering were many nonprofit organizations, such as the emergency squads for the three villages, Delaware Valley Humane Society, Sidney Food Bank, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Tri-Town Youth Club, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Sidney Recreation Commission. These groups fall into the areas of focus that have been designated by Sidney's local United Way. They are: emergency services, education/literacy, youth development, pisaster preparedness, hunger and quality of life.

A spokesperson for each agency provided a summary of goals and vision for the coming year and the anticipated impact within their given community. Each organization represents a chapter within the communities of Sidney, Masonville and Sidney Center so funds continue to assist locally. The support of the United Way is so crucial to the continuation of many local programs that they wouldn't persist without it!

Dennis Porter, executive director for the Sidney United Way, thanked campaign cochairpersons Renee Webb and Lorrie Roach for their work in coordinating the successful 2016 capital campaign that exceeded the budget goal by raising over $95,000. This allows the Sidney United Way to assist in unanticipated need that might arise during the coming year and to continue serving its local communities.

Most important are the thanks extended to the many individuals and businesses who donated to the Sidney Capital Campaign last fall and the contributions made possible through the cooperation of successful in-house campaigns at ACCO and Amphenol.

A complete list of the United Way Focus Agencies as well as photos from the 2017 annual meeting can be found on the Sidney United Way website: www.sidneyunitedway.org.

Reprint from The Tri-Town News