Get Involved! Support the United Way for Cortland County’s Annual Campaign: ‘Stronger Together. Cortland Forever’

Have you given to the United Way for Cortland County’s Annual Campaign? Now is the perfect time to get involved and make a difference!

The annual campaign is in full swing with this year’s inspiring slogan, ‘Stronger Together. Cortland  Forever”.  Your support helps fund vital local programs focused on improving education, financial stability, health, and community resiliency right here in Cortland County.

Featured Campaign Initiatives

The United Way for Cortland County has been hard at work gearing up for the campaign, introducing new ways to give back and exciting incentives for donors.

1. Pasta and Sauce Food Drive for Cortland County Food Pantries

The United Way has launched a brand new food drive to address the most-sought-after items at local food pantries.

Executive Director Kristina Thelen explains the focus: “When we called around to ask, what is their most sought after items, the top two for most of them, were pasta and sauce and so we decided to really focus in on that this time around with the food drive.”

• How to Participate: The drive is happening now, with many local locations hosting collection boxes.
• Final Collection Day: The drive will culminate at the Fall Day of Caring on October 17th, where you can bring your non-perishable pasta and jarred or canned sauce donations.

2. Fall Day of Caring

New this year, the United Way has added a Fall Day of Caring to increase opportunities for community service and collaboration with local non-profits.

• When: October 17th, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Where: Cortland Community Learning Garden, located at 27 South Ave., Cortland.
• Get Involved: The United Way is actively seeking volunteers and supplies for the garden beautification day. This is also the final collection day for the Pasta and Sauce Food Drive.

3. Gas & Grocery Giveaway

The popular Gas & Grocery Giveaway Sponsored by Beginnings Credit Union is returning, and it’s bigger and better than ever! This raffle is a special thank you to those who contribute through the campaign.

• How to Enter: Campaign donors who give $65 or more to the annual fundraising drive are eligible for weekly drawings.
• Prizes: The giveaway includes multiple monthly winners in 2026 of a $50 gas gift card and a $50 grocery gift card, plus grand prizes of a$500 gas and $500 grocery gift card.

Ways to Donate

Every contribution directly supports programs that help individuals and families in Cortland County not just survive, but thrive. The money raised here always stays here.

1. Workplace Campaign: Give easily through payroll deduction at your place of employment. Many companies also offer a matching gift program, doubling your impact!
2. Online Donation: Make a secure, one-time or recurring gift using a credit card on the official website.
3. By Mail: Send a check payable to “United Way for Cortland County” to their main office. (The full address can be found on their website.)
4. Crown Leadership Giving: For those who wish to make a significant annual commitment of $500 or more, you can join the Crown Leadership Givers program.
5. In-Kind Giving: Support the United Way through donations of goods or services.
6. Designated Gifts: You have the option to designate your donation to a specific non-profit partner agency or contribute to the general fund to support all critical programs.

For more information on the United Way for Cortland County, to sign up to volunteer, or to start your own Workplace Campaign, please visit Cortlandunitedway.org.