Did you know that for every $5 donated to United Way of Northern Chautauqua County’s Early Grade Literacy Program during Spring it On WNY, two preschool children will receive literacy kits or 10 children in kindergarten through third grade will receive a book to take home?

Spring It On WNY was created as a 24-hour online fundraising event to mobilize citizens to donate to a favorite agency, to highlight the impact that giving has on organizations, and to strengthen and support the local community.

Secure, online donations to United Way of Northern Chautauqua County’s Early Grade Literacy Program can be made at www.springiton.org/organizations/united-way-of-northern-chautauqua-county.

Spring It On WNY begins March 14 at 6 p.m. and ends March 15 at 6 p.m.

Using online communications to reach current supporters and to cultivate new ones, United Way set a fundraising goal of $500 in order to purchase literacy kits and books for preschoolers and students in kindergarten through third grade.

According to Executive Director Deborah Tederous, “Spring It On WNY provides a unique, one-day focus that will help The United Way of Northern Chautauqua County drive awareness and fundraising for our agency and for the Early Grade Literacy Program. At a time of fewer resources, we are thrilled to partner with the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and to be part of this opportunity that we hope will mobilize current and new donors to support our work.”

Now in its fifth year, the event is modeled on similar events held in other cities across the country, including Rochester’s successful ROC The Day event. Spring It On WNY updates will be posted on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter throughout the event via #SpringItOnWNY.

Created and powered by the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, Spring It On WNY is designed to raise awareness and funds for a variety of not-for-profit organizations throughout Western New York. A unique one-day focus, Spring it On WNY is expected to have more than 200 local non-profit agencies participate this year.