By Stefan Yablonski
The United Way of Greater Oswego County improves lives by fostering partnerships, mobilizing the community to give and volunteer, raising awareness of local human needs and supporting solutions that address those needs.
“It creates opportunities and partnerships that help provide awareness and fiscal support to 22 health and human service programs offered by agencies that provide service across Oswego County,” said Patrick Dewine, executive director.
The United Way of Oswego County recently kicked off its annual campaign for 2025-26 with a goal of reaching $600,000.
“These donor dollars will support the 22 health and human service programs that directly serve individuals and families within Oswego County,” Dewine said. “As the needs for services continue to grow, we are committed to ensuring these vital programs remain in place to ensure everyone in our community can thrive.”
By donating through United Way’s Community Fund, donors can be confident this money will be used specifically for the programs, he added.
Also, United Way’s grants to several of these partners allows the agency to apply for state and federal grants identifying United Way dollars as community support.
“This opens up more funding streams for the agencies and multiplies our grants to them by two, three or even more times the original amount,” he said. “Aside of our annual appeal to the community, we have a variety of events planned over the next several months.”
Some of those events include the Galentine’s Brunch ’26 to take place in February.
But wait, there’s more
Earlier this year, the United Way’s 2025 Stuff-A-Bus school supply drive collected 39,503 school supply items that reached 1,919 students across Oswego County.
The 2025 Stone Soup, Pulaski luncheon in September raised $3,327.00 and collected more than $1,700 in food that was shared with area food-relief programs that included Pulaski Community Cupboard, Pulaski School District Weekend Backpack Program, Mexico Food Pantry, Sandy Creek Food Pantry and A-P-W Weekend Backpack Program.
United Way funding supports Oswego Industries’ habilitation programs which offers lifelong learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
“Last year, more than 500 people participated in various community activities allowing them to enjoy meaningful experiences, make new friends, explore hobbies and interests and build a sense of belonging,” he said. “This community integration positively contributes to their overall health and well-being.”
