Rising prices have taken a toll on those who are some of the neediest in our community. Those costs are having a huge impact at grocery stores and at fuel stations.

There is a way, starting this week, for residents to offer some assistance through an organization that builds partnerships while bettering our region.

On Thursday, the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County is kicking off its annual fundraising campaign from 4 to 6 p.m. at the United Way Office, 626 Central Ave, Dunkirk. The theme for this year’s campaign is “United We Can.”

For the third year in a row, the fund-raising is a team effort. Both county United Ways are working collaborative on the campaign. As part of the kickoff, the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County and the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County will host a Zoom Power Hour from 3 to 4 p.m. The hour will feature local employers who coordinate United Way workplace campaigns, and they will share their ideas, best practices, and tips for coordinating a successful workplace campaign. Employers include Purina, M&T Bank, Wegmans, UPS and Child Advocacy Program.

“We want to set our volunteers up for success as they begin their workplace campaigns,” says Adam Dolce, executive director at United Way of Northern Chautauqua County. “This Power Hour gives both veteran and new campaign coordinators alike the opportunity to network and share ideas and learn how running a United Way campaign is great for their business.”

The United Way of Northern Chautauqua County forges strategic partnerships to mobilize resources from donors to improve the health, education, and financial stability of our community. In addition to providing resources to 12 local agencies the United Way provides the VITA program, spearheads the Campaign for Warmth, and an early grade literacy give-away.

This campaign is critical to those efforts continuing. To give to the United Way campaign, learn more about what they are doing, or to sign up for the newsletter visit unitedwayncc.org.