The Independent

The United Way campaign has blown past the million dollar mark, but it is still behind last year’s pace of donation.

Executive Director Pamela Bodkin says NOVA employees and retirees donations plus money made at special events led to a $307,557 donation, pushing the United way over the $1.2 million mark.

Bodkin cautions there are still concerns the campaign could fall short by the end of the year, meaning some services would not have funding. Bodkin says the campaign is about $80,000 behind last year.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed so far, we have had some very successful employee campaigns at workplaces and some very generous individual gifts. This shows just how much our community cares,” said Bodkin.  “But we’re not there yet and the final stretch is always the toughest.  While most workplace campaigns have wrapped up and early donors have stepped up, the need for support still remains urgent.  The truth is that without reaching our goal, critical programs that thousands of people rely on could face reductions.”

With three weeks left in the campaign, the United Way is calling on the community to help close the gap. Donations can be made online.