November 4th, 2013

Fulton, NY – In accordance with its mission of raising awareness of human needs in Oswego County and supporting solutions to address those needs, United Way of Greater Oswego County is offering a limited number of mini-grant funding opportunities for community organizations in Oswego County that reflect the agency?s mission and its five funding categories; Emergency Services, Health and Special Needs, Supporting Families and Children, Youth Development, and Senior Services.

Melanie Trexler, executive director of United Way of Greater Oswego County explained that the mini-grants are for not-for-profits serving Oswego County. ?Organizations that wish to apply for a mini-grant must submit a brief narrative that includes; a description of the project and proposed activities, its goals, who it will serve and how it will benefit those served. The project must also have clear, measurable goals and a defined beginning and end. Applicants are also encouraged to partner with other community organizations on the project,? said Trexler.

Not-for-Profits wishing to apply for a mini-grant may download an application from the United Way website at oswegounitedway.org. For more information contact Melanie Trexler at 315-593-1900, or by e-mail at melanieunitedway@windstream.net. All proposals must be submitted no later than December 4, 2013.
Decisions will be formally announced in February 2014.

November 4th, 2013

Oswego, NY ? The United Way of Greater Oswego County and DuFore?s for Diamonds will be making one lucky person?s Christmas extra special this year.

DuFore?s has donated a ladies diamond ring valued at $1,200, which will be used for a drawing in support of the United Way?s Annual Campaign. The diamond ring is currently on display at DuFore?s.

?We appreciate DuFore?s support of our campaign with this very generous donation,? said Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler. ?It?s wonderful to see small businesses come forward and show their concern for the community by helping their local United Way. The support that we receive from community minded businesses such as DuFore?s Jewelers plays an important part in allowing us to meet our goals and continue to offer financial support to the many member agency programs that mean so much to so many in our county. Their generosity is excellent example of the theme of this year?s annual campaign, it is our community, and its personal.?

Tickets for the ladies diamond ring drawing are only $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 and are available at DuFore?s Jewelers, 94 West Second Street in Oswego, your local United Way office in the Community Bank building, 1 South First Street in Fulton, and during United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon being held November 12th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph?s Parish Center, West First Street in Oswego. The drawing will be held at 11:00 a.m. on December 24th at DuFore?s. Proceeds will benefit the United Way of Greater Oswego County.

Cut line for photo: The Perfect Gift. Mark DuFore (l) and Tom DuFore (r) of DuFore?s Jewelers in Oswego present Melanie Trexler, executive director of United Way of Greater Oswego County with ladies diamond ring valued at $1,200. DuFore?s Jewelers will be giving a way the ring as part of a drawing in support of the United Way?s 8th Annual Campaign. Tickets are available at the United Way office in the Community Bank building, 1 South First Street in Fulton, during United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon being held Thursday, November 12th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph?s Parish Center, West First Street in Oswego, and at DuFore’s Jewelers, 94 West Second Street in Oswego, where the diamond ring will be on display during DuFore?s Holiday Open House to be held, November 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and November 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

November 1st, 2013

Oswego, NY ? Representatives from the Oswego Lions Club recently presented Lois Luber, resource development director with the United Way of Greater Oswego County and Chairman of the planning committee for the United Way?s Annual Stone Soup Luncheon, Aaron Thorpe a check for $500 in support of this year?s luncheon. ?We are proud to count the Oswego Lions Club among our sponsors for this year?s Stone Soup Luncheon. Over the years they have donated $4,000 to help our area food pantries,? said Luber. Scheduled for November 12th the luncheon will held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at St. Joseph?s Parish Center, West First Street in Oswego. United Way will be accepting a donation of $5.00 per person and those attending are urged to bring a donation of non-perishable food items. All proceeds from the event, as well as the food that is collected, will be donated to local food pantries including Human Concerns Center, Catholic Charities of Oswego County, and Salvation Army of Oswego County. From left are: Oswego Lions Club Member and Stone Soup Sponsor, Bob Bateman of Cakes Galore; Club Secretary and Stone Soup Volunteer, Becky O?Kane; Aaron Thorpe; Lois Luber; and Lions Club Member and Stone Soup Volunteer, Jennifer Vivlemore.