United Way raises $750,000 through two months of campaign

United Way
The United Way hopes to raise $4.5 million this year. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The United Way of McLean County’s annual campaign has raised about $750,000 since kicking off in August.

The hope is to bring in about $4.5 million this year. Campaign co-chair Scott Preston told WJBC’s Terry James there’s a growing need in the community because of the state budget impasse.

“We’re cautiously optimistic so far with the campaign, but we’re not ones to be complacent,” said Preston. “Despite the state budget impasse, and despite other factors that are leading to an increased need this year, we’re wanting to be proactive.”

Preston’s fellow co-chair, Sonja Reece, explained the campaign helps provide funding to 31 partner agencies.

“Those 31 agencies provide 63 distinct services,” said Reece. “So, if you look at those and think about how our community would look if some of those were not able to function, we’d be in a world of hurt.”

About 80 percent of the campaign’s funds are brought in through workplace campaigns. Contact the United Way at (309) 828-7383 for information on starting a workplace campaign.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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