Fulton, NY ?Seven local businesses recently took part in a countywide Giving Thanks, Giving Back initiative by donating a percentage of their sales from Nov. 27 to the United Way of Greater Oswego County.

Barado?s on the Water in Central Square, GJP Italian Eatery in Oswego, Gibby?s Irish Pub in Oswego, Fajita Grill locations in both Fulton and Oswego, Phoenix Sports Restaurant in Phoenix, and Bombadil?s Tavern in Phoenix collectively raised more than $1,000 to support the United Way?s mission of ending hunger, supporting children and youth, and ensuring wellness across Oswego County.

Stacey Morse, United Way resource development director, said they were thrilled with the level of participation seen during the second year of Giving Thanks, Giving Back.

?This event was a true illustration of what can be accomplished when we live united,? said Morse. ?We are so grateful that these community champions joined us to make a difference in our county.?

According to Morse, the United Way hopes to expand Giving Thanks, Giving Back and make it an event that community members can look forward to.

?We hope to see this initiative grow in the coming years,? she said, adding they plan to continue holding the event on the day before Thanksgiving to make it easy for locals to give back at the start of the holiday season.

?The timing of Giving Thanks, Giving Back is intentional,? said Morse. ?We chose the day before Thanksgiving so people who are home visiting family for the holiday have the opportunity to give back to their hometown while supporting local establishments.?

All funds raised by Giving Thanks, Giving Back go toward the United Way?s Annual Campaign. The United Way touches the lives of all ages in all corners of Oswego County by providing funding to 31 programs run by 20 different nonprofit agencies. To learn more about the United Way of Greater Oswego County, visit oswegounitedway.org or call 315-593-1900.

Oswego, NY ? DuFore?s Jewelers is once again serving as a shining example of a community-minded small business by continuing the annual tradition of donating a diamond ring to be raffled in support of the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Annual Campaign.

This year?s diamond ring is 14 karat yellow gold with a .50 carat brilliant cut center diamond and twelve baguette diamonds. The ring is currently on display at DuFore?s Jewelers, 94 West Second Street in Oswego.

?This year?s ring is absolutely stunning and the continued support and generosity from Dufore?s is truly remarkable,? said Stacey Morse, United Way resource development director. ?The unwavering support we receive from local small businesses is incredible. It takes an entire community working together to create positive change, and I believe we have that level of dedication here in Oswego County.?

This year?s diamond ring is valued at $2,500, but locals can take a chance on winning the ring for as little as $1 per raffle ticket or $5 for six tickets. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the United Way?s mission of ending hunger, supporting children and youth, and ensuring wellness throughout Oswego County.

Tickets are available at DuFore?s Jewelers, the United Way office located inside the Community Bank building at 1 South First Street in Fulton, and from United Way staff and board members. The winning ticket will be drawn at noon on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.

For more information, visit the United Way?s website at oswegounitedway.org or call the office at 315-593-1900.

Oswego, NY ? The Oswego Lions Club recently showed its commitment to supporting the local community by contributing $1,000 to help the United Way of Greater Oswego County fight hunger.

The donation will go toward the United Way?s annual Stone Soup Luncheon coming up on Nov 7 at St. Joseph?s Parish Center. Each year the event brings together area businesses and community members to collect monetary and nonperishable food donations which are used to fill the shelves of local pantries as the holiday season quickly approaches.

?We are extremely thankful for the continued support of the Oswego Lions Club,? said Stacey Morse, United Way resource development director. ?Over the years they have given thousands of dollars to food pantries throughout Oswego County, allowing agencies to provide nutritious meals to countless families in need.?

Morse said the sponsorship from the Lions Club, combined with donations collected from event attendees, results in hundreds of dollars and boxes of nonperishable food items going to three local pantries: the Human Concerns Center, Catholic Charities of Oswego County, and Salvation Army of Oswego County.

Along with the contribution from the Lions Club, Morse said the annual event would not be possible without help from generous local businesses and teams of dedicated volunteers.

?We are grateful for the many local businesses that are stepping up to provide soup and sides for the event,? said Morse. ?We are also fortunate to have groups of volunteers from Novelis and the SUNY Oswego Women?s Hockey Team who have helped in past years with everything from setup and salad prep to sorting nonperishable food donations and serving soup. I think this event really showcases how much can be accomplished when people come together for a shared cause.?

Ending hunger in Oswego County is one of the United Way?s three main target areas. To learn more about the organization and find updates about future events, visit oswegounitedway.org.

Oswego, NY ? The United Way of Greater Oswego County will hold the 14th annual Stone Soup Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 7, at St. Joseph?s Parish Center, 240 W. First Street in Oswego, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Stone Soup Luncheon began as a social event to bring together individuals, agencies, and businesses in an effort to increase awareness around hunger in Oswego County. Over the years it has transformed into a fundraiser and food drive that local agencies rely on.

Stacey Morse, United Way resource development director, said all profits and nonperishable food donations from the event will be divided between local pantries that provide food for hundreds of hungry individuals.

?We are asking people to come together to help end hunger,? said Morse. ?We hope this event will shine a light on the very real issue of food insecurity in our county, and will generate resources to support agencies that are providing food to families in need.?

?The need for food access continues to rise. Knowing that our partner agency food pantries annually distribute thousands of meals, hunger is still a pressing issue in Oswego County,? Morse added.

The menu for United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon will feature several varieties of soups donated by local restaurants, along with salad, rolls, and dessert from area businesses.

?The amount of community support for this event has been unbelievable,? said Morse. ??We truly appreciate how many local businesses have stepped up to make this luncheon possible, and how many volunteers have offered their time to make the day a success.?

The United Way will be accepting a donation of $5 per person, and those attending are urged to bring a donation of nonperishable food items. Those unable to attend the event but would still like to make a donation may call the United Way of Greater Oswego County at 315-593-1900. For more information, visit oswegounitedway.org.