September 20th, 2011

Oswego, NY – Constellation Energy Nuclear Group (CENG) got the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s 2011 / 2012 Annual Campaign off to a fast start as it presented the agency with a check in the amount of $1,500. To demonstrate CENG?s support of United Way of Greater Oswego County, and their enthusiasm for reaching the goal for CENG?s in-house campaign for the United Way, campaign members Sue Bertsch and Jill Whitaker organized several drawings throughout the year such as jewelry and chocolate at Valentine?s Day and a grill and steaks at Father?s Day. The drawings help to keep United Way visible all year long ensures that CENG will meet the goal for its in-house campaign.

?One of CENG?s top values is community responsibility,? said CENG spokesperson, Jill Lyon. ?We strive to be a thoughtful and caring steward by investing meaningful time and resources in the communities we serve. It is important to CENG that we support the United Way because the company and our employees feel strongly about giving back to our community and helping those in need.?

CENG?s in-house campaign for United Way is chaired by Terry Syrell, Manager ? Nuclear Safety and Security, and co-chaired by Nicole Houghton, Director ? Industrial Safety and Health. While this is the first year for both in roles as site leaders for the United Way campaign, they are well aware of the importance of the campaign its impact on United Way and the agencies it supports.

?As the largest private employer in Oswego County, CENG is in a position to provide support and act upon our commitment to be a responsible community partner. Each of us feels that we can and should give back to the community in which we operate and many of us live,? said Syrell.

CENG?s campaign heavily encourages new donations and increased giving by entering all first-time contributors and employees who increase their giving into special drawings for prizes, such as Kindles and iPads.

Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler, praised CENG for their efforts. ?The dedication that CENG and its employees have for the mission of United Way is commendable. If not for the tremendous support we receive from caring companies such as CENG and their employees we would not be able to support the many human services programs, administered through our member agencies, that are vital to the health of our community,? said Trexler.

Cut line for photo: Members of the in-house campaign team at Constellation Energy Nuclear Group (CENG) present United Way of Greater Oswego County with a check in support of the United Way?s Annual Campaign. Pictured above from left are: Chairperson of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, Jonathon Daniels, Executive Director of the Port of Oswego Authority; United Way Board President, Wendy Tetro of Fulton Savings Bank; Chairperson of CENG?s in-house United Way campaign, Terry Syrell, Manager ? Nuclear Safety and Security; Jill Lyon of CENG; Resource Development Director for the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Lois Luber; and Co-Chairperson of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, Rob Rolfe of Pathfinder Bank.

September 19th, 2011

I extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who lent their support to the United Way?s first ever Stone Soup Too Luncheon held recently at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church. From the large amount of people who attended, to the many businesses and organizations that helped make the event possible, our Stone Soup Too Luncheon was a perfect example of the United Way?s ?Live United? concept as the community came together to show their support for the United Way and help our area food pantries and soup kitchen. Our luncheon raised $1057.00, which will be used to support the Pulaski Community Ministries Food Pantry, the Sandy Creek / Lacona Community Cupboard, the Richland / Rural & Migrant Ministries Food Pantry, and the Lacona / North Country Christian Church Soup Kitchen.

Special thanks to Eddy?s Place Restaurant, The River House Restaurant, Rainbow Shores Restaurant, and the Sandy Pond Steak House for donating soups, as well as Artie?s J & R Diner, Al?s Corner Market, C?s Farm Market in Oswego, Nice n Easy in Pulaski, Ostrander?s Village Market, TC Brewsters, Walmart in Central Square, Sandy Creek Big M, Top?s Market, and the Sandy Creek Grange who also donated food and other items for our luncheon. I also extend a sincere thank you to Brenda?s Place, Sage Creek Orchards, and Arlene Yoder for donating food for the pantries; Trust Nursery, Hemlock Haven, Designs of Elegance, and Community Bank for donating door prizes, Cazenovia Equipment Co. and William J. Buckley DDS for helping to sponsor the event and of course the community members that attended the luncheon and contributed to our food drive.

Our Stone Soup Luncheon would not have been possible if not for the efforts of our committee members; Oswego County Opportunities? Director of Senior Nutrition, Amy Roland, Peggy Manchester of the Sandy Creek / Lacona Food Pantry; Pat Rossman, Penny Kimball of Rural and Migrant Ministries of Oswego County; Helen Hoefer, director of Emergency Services at Catholic Charities of Oswego County; Brian Leary of Lakeshore Hardwoods; and Kathy Crandall of Community Bank, and our valued community volunteers: Selena Belser, Shirley Rice, Pat Rossman, Sue Bitz, Bonnie Dence, Paulette Lindsey, Frank Manchester, members of the Sandy Creek Grange, celebrity servers, Wayne and Pat McDougal, Sandy Creek Cheerleaders, Clarice, Sammi, Lexi, Mikayla and Chelsea, and Pat Rossman who also created floral centerpieces of pumpkins, seasonal flowers, and vegetable greens.

Their desire to support the United Way of Greater Oswego County is a wonderful expression of their dedication to their community, their concern for others and their willingness to ?Live United.? Thanks to the support we received from community members who attended our Stone Soup Luncheon raised more than $1000 for food pantries and soup kitchen in northern Oswego County.

Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Lois Luber
Resource Development Director
United Way of Greater Oswego County

September 15th, 2011

Oswego, NY -For the twentieth year SUNY Oswego is teaming up with the United Way to hold the annual 5K Walk ? a ?thon on Saturday October 15th. The event, sponsored by SUNY Oswego Auxiliary Services, will begin with registration at noon followed by the walk at 1:00pm. SUNY Oswego Professor Tina Pieraccini and her group of students in a fundraising for non-for profit class, along with members from VEGA, the honor society for junior and senior women and their advisor Laura Brown, are preparing for and running the event.

United Way of Greater Oswego County raises funds from the community each year for specific programs that help thousands of people right here in Oswego County. Lois Luber, Resource Development Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County has worked with the SUNY students for many years to fundraise for the organization. ?We look forward to working with VEGA in the 20th year of the SUNY Oswego walk. We appreciate Tina Pieraccini?s work over the years along with her group of dedicated students who volunteer their time and energy to making this walk a success? Lois said.

The non-for profit fundraising class that is working diligently to prepare for the walk consists of six senior public relations majors. These students develop every aspect of the program from soliciting T-Shirt sponsors to coordinating volunteers for the event. These students are assisted in the development with women from VEGA . Laura Brown, a professor at SUNY Oswego, has been involved with the walk for many years and was excited to have VEGA help this year. “Vega has always been committed to combining academic excellence with community service, and the United Way Walk-a-thon is a wonderful way to encourage a variety of student groups to do the same. We are all excited at the opportunity to assist the organizers of the event for its 20th anniversary on campus, and look forward to a terrific turnout this year.”

United Way is a worldwide movement of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on education, income and health. The United Way movement mobilizes millions to action?to give, advocate and volunteer?to improve conditions in their communities. Please visit: http://oswegounitedway.org/

Picture Attached: Students walking for the United Way of Oswego County on the SUNY campus at the event last year. Registration for the event begins at noon outside Lanigan Hall on the SUNY Oswego campus and the donation fee is five dollars per person. Article submitted by SUNY Oswego students.

September 7th, 2011

Fulton, NY ? When United Way Board member, Jonathan Daniels, executive director of the Port of Oswego Authority, was asked to return for an unprecedented third term as a chairperson for the United Way?s Campaign Cabinet he was honored to realize that his contributions as Campaign Cabinet chairperson benefited such a worthy endeavor as the United Way?s Annual Campaign.

Joining Daniels in guiding this year?s United Way Campaign, and serving as co-chairperson, is Robert Rolfe of Pathfinder Bank. Longtime supporters of United Way, the two are well aware of the importance of their roles and gladly accepted the challenge to help make the United Way?s 2011 / 2012 campaign a success.

Daniels, who has been involved with past campaigns for the United Way of Eastern Maine has served as a member of the Campaign Cabinet for several years, and chaired the past two United Way Campaigns. ?United Way provides much needed support to so many entities that provide vital services to those in need in Oswego County. It is an honor to be able to work once again with the Campaign Cabinet and the United Way staff in this capacity. We are excited about making this year?s campaign the best ever and I am looking forward to getting the campaign underway,? said Daniels.

Rolfe, who is true champion of the United Way?s efforts in Oswego County, has served as an in-house United Way company campaign coordinator for 11 years, a member of the United Way asset allocations committee for 7 years, and has been a vital part of the United Way campaign cabinet for the past 3 years. When asked why he is so passionate about the success of the United Way?s Annual Campaign, Rolfe said the answer is obvious. ?United Way builds stronger communities in Oswego County. United Way?s Annual Campaign raises much needed funds that help 23 United Way member agencies fund 37 human services programs that benefit families and individuals right here in the neighborhoods we live and work in,? said Rolfe.

The United Way?s Annual Campaign officially gets underway with a Kick-Off Breakfast to be held Wednesday, September 14th from 8:00 ? 9:00 a.m. at the American Foundry, Route 104 East (behind The Fajita Grill) in Oswego.

Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler, said Daniels, Rolfe, and the other members of the Campaign Cabinet have been working diligently to ensure that the United Way?s Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast is an enlightening and inspiring event that will provide community members with a better understanding of the existing needs in Oswego County and the role United Way plays in helping to meet those needs. ?Our Campaign Cabinet is excited about this year?s campaign. They are dedicated to establishing a precise plan of action that will allow us to achieve our campaign goals and, through our member agencies, serve as many families and individuals in Oswego County as possible,? she said.

Daniels sees this year?s campaign as one of the most challenging in the agency?s history. ?The Kick-Off Breakfast is the starting point for what may very well be the most important campaign the United Way has ever had. These trying economic times have put many of our neighbors in dire need. We need to step up and set the stage for an exciting campaign. This is the time for a call to service. We will use our Kick-Off Breakfast to announce our goal and inspire the community to help us reach that goal,? said Daniels.

As for the focus of this year?s United Way Annual Campaign, Rolfe said that it is clearly set on the meeting some of the many basic needs of families and individuals in Oswego County. ?It continues to be a challenging economy, which creates a greater need for many families and individuals throughout Oswego County. Throughout this campaign we are looking to bring these life needs to the forefront and help our community members understand how their generous donations truly benefit those in need,? said Rolfe.

United Way?s Annual Campaign serves as the organizations primary fundraiser as the campaign looks to raise money in support of the many human services programs that the United Way and its member agencies provide for those who live in Oswego County.

?The Kick-Off Breakfast will be the first step in a campaign that will reach out to more community members than ever before,? said Daniels. ?Our Campaign Cabinet is 100% committed to making this campaign a success. Throughout this campaign we will be addressing as many business and individuals as possible to tell the story of the United Way and the positive impact that it has on the quality of life in Oswego County. While past campaigns have seen success, we are looking to bring this year?s campaign to new heights.?

Rolfe echoed those thoughts, praising those who have donated in the past and encouraging other to join them in supporting this year?s campaign. ?As the need in our county has increased, I am proud to say that the generosity and compassion of our community has also increased. The support United Way has received from those who unselfishly contribute their time and money to help others makes our county a better place to live for everyone. The increasing support of United Way is a positive trend that I hope will continue with this year?s campaign and future campaigns,? said Rolfe.

?We invite community members to join us for the United Way Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast and learn more about the United Way and how their donations to the campaign make a difference in the quality of life in Oswego County,? added Trexler. The cost to attend the event is $15.00. For more information, or to make reservations to attend the United Way Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast, contact Lois Luber at your United Way office, 593-1900 or via e-mail at loisunitedway@windstream.net.

September 7th, 2011

Fulton, NY ? United Way of Greater Oswego County invites you to help them combat hunger in Oswego County by sharing lunch with your friends and neighbors at the United Way?s first ever Stone Soup Luncheon in Sandy Creek.

Hosted by Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive, just off Rt. 81 exit 37, the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon will be held this Sunday, September 18th, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Drawing upon the agency?s theme of ?Live United? the United Way invites community members to gather with friends to enjoy a delicious lunch of Stone Soup while helping to support Oswego County?s struggling food pantries.

The story of Stone Soup dates back to an event that took place in post-war Europe when the residents of an impoverished village all donated what they could to make a delicious meal that could feed the whole village. The moral of Stone Soup is that working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater good can be achieved. ?We hope that our Stone Soup Luncheon will raise awareness of the food shortage in Oswego County and help fill the shelves of food pantries in this area,? said Resource Development Director for the United Way, Lois Luber.

A number of local businesses have come forward to donate the food and beverages necessary. Soups are being provided by: Eddy?s Place Restaurant, The River House Restaurant, Rainbow Shores Restaurant, and the Sandy Pond Steak House. Other local businesses including TC Brewsters, Walmart in Central Square, and the Sandy Creek Big M. are providing salad fixings, fresh rolls and butter, coffee and cookies, and Top?s Market is providing cake for dessert.

The luncheon is open to the public, with United Way accepting donations of $5 per person. All proceeds from the luncheon will be used to support the Pulaski Community Ministries Food Pantry, the Sandy Creek / Lacona Community Cupboard, the Richland / Rural & Migrant Ministries Food Pantry, and the Lacona / North Country Christian Church Soup Kitchen. Attendees are encouraged to please bring a donation of non-perishable food items, as the United Way will be collecting donations for those food pantries as well. ?We appreciate the United Way?s efforts. There are always families that need food, and we at Rural & Migrant Ministries of Oswego County (RMMOC) strive to serve people who aren’t getting served in other ways, said Superintendent of the Pulaski School District, and RMMOC board member, Dr. Marshall Marshall. ?I look forward to welcoming a large number of community members at the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon.?

Community members wishing to donate fresh produce from their garden are welcome to do so by bringing their donations to the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church this Saturday, September 17th from 9:00 ?11:00 a.m.

Those unable to attend the luncheon, but would like to donate food items, may contact Peggy Manchester at 387-5539 for information on where to drop off non-perishable food donations throughout Oswego County.

Cut line for photo: Lois Luber (r), Resource Development Director for United Way of Greater Oswego County, meets with Rural & Migrant Ministries of Oswego County board member, and Superintendent of the Pulaski School District, Dr. Marshall Marshall (l) and executive Director of Rural & Migrant Ministries of Oswego County, Penny Kimball at the RMMOC food pantry to discuss the need for food in the area. The United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon, to be held this Sunday, September 18 at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive, just off Rt. 81 exit 37, will help raise funds for food area food pantries.

September 7th, 2011

Fulton, NY – Former Sandy Creek Central School (SCCS) Girls Basketball coach, Wayne McDougal and former SCCS Girls Softball coach, Pat McDougal, will be on hand to help serve soup at the United Way?s upcoming Stone Soup Luncheon to be held September 18th at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive, just off Rt. 81 exit 37, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Over his 25 plus years at SCCS, Wayne McDougal coached many sports teams including: football, wrestling, soccer, softball and girls basketball. Pat McDougal, who coached the Sandy Creek Comets Girls Softball team for more than 20 years, was recognized as the Coach of the Decade for the ?90s by the NYS Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports.

According to Peggy Manchester, committee member for the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon, the McDougals are ardent supporters of the Sandy Creek food pantry. ?Wayne and Pat supported our efforts at the food pantry for many years. Their belief in building strong athletes for competition also means building strong bodies through proper nutrition. Seeing that the local food pantries have adequate food to do this is of utmost importance,? said Manchester.

Both coaches, who have a long history of championship teams, challenge all of their former players, assistant coaches and opposing coaches to demonstrate their support for their local food pantries by attending the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon on September 18th at the Sandy United Methodist Church where they will be happy to serve lunch to those who attend.

Cut line for photo: Ready to Serve. Former SCCS coaches Pat McDougal (l) and Wayne McDougal meet with United Way Stone Soup Luncheon Committee Member, Helen Hoefer (r) of Catholic Charities of Oswego County in preparation for luncheon that will be held Sunday, September 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive, just off Rt. 81 exit 37. Open to the public, the luncheon servers as a fundraiser for area food pantries. United Way accepting donations of $5 per person and attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of non-perishable food item.

August 30th, 2011

Fulton, NY ? Members of the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Campaign Cabinet are busy putting the final touches on the agenda for one of the most anticipated events of the fall, the United Way?s Annual Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast. Scheduled for Wednesday, September 14th, the event, which is being sponsored by Burritt Motors, CENG, Entergy, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and Planned Results, will be held from 8:00 ? 9:00 a.m. at the American Foundry, Route 104 East (behind Fajita Grill) in Oswego.

Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler, said that the United Way?s Campaign Cabinet, under the direction of Chairperson, Jonathan Daniels, has been working diligently to ensure that the United Way?s Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast is an enlightening and inspiring event that will provide community members with a better understanding of the positive impact the United Way has on Oswego County. ?Our Campaign Cabinet is excited about this year?s campaign and are 100% committed to achieving our goals. They are looking forward to sharing their enthusiasm for the United Way and encouraging others to support our mission of improving lives by empowering our community,? said Trexler.

Comprised of a cross section of concerned community leaders, the United Way?s Campaign Cabinet works hand in hand with the United Way staff as they plan, implement, and oversee the United Way?s Annual Campaign. Whether it?s helping to establish employee giving campaigns, arranging company presentations, or speaking with civic groups and other organizations, the members of the United Way?s Campaign Cabinet are dedicated to sharing the United Way?s mission with the community.

?We couldn?t do it without them,? said Trexler. They are the driving force behind our campaign. Their commitment to the United Way and their ability to inspire their fellow community members is what will make this campaign a success. We are truly appreciative of their efforts and are proud to count them among our supporters.?

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield will once again serve as a sponsor for the agency?s Annual Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast. “Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is pleased to support the United Way of Greater Oswego County for the fifth consecutive year,” said Arthur Vercillo, M.D., regional president, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “It is our mission to partner with organizations that provide programs and services that benefit the residents of the communities we serve. The United Way of Greater Oswego County is one of those organizations which helps ensure that every dollar donated is used exactly where it’s needed the most to benefit individuals and families in Oswego County.”

The United Way?s Annual Campaign serves as the organizations primary fundraiser as the campaign looks to raise money in support of the many human services programs that the United Way and its member agencies provide for those who live in Oswego County. Open to the public, the Campaign Kick-Off provides community members with the opportunity to learn more about the mission of the United Way and encourage them to support the 2011 / 2012 campaign.

The cost to attend the United Way Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast is $15.00. For more information, or to make reservations to attend the United Way Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast, contact Lois Luber at your United Way office, 593-1900 or via e-mail at loisunitedway@windstream.net.

Cut line for photo: Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler meets with members of the United Way?s Campaign Cabinet in preparation for United Way?s Annual Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast. Scheduled for 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 14th at the American Foundry in Oswego, the event will highlight the United Way?s community partnerships and focus on the agency?s vision of improving lives by empowering our community. For more information or to make reservations, contact your United Way office at 593-1900. Pictured above from left are: Dick Delaney of Novelis; Doug McRae of Bond, Schoeneck & King; Lois Luber, resource development director for United Way of Greater Oswego County; United Way Executive Director, Melanie Trexler; Robert Rolfe of Pathfinder Bank, Jonathan Daniels, executive director of the Port of Authority of Oswego; and Steve Doty of CENG. Absent from the photo is Campaign Cabinet member Brian Finn of Entergy.

August 29th, 2011

Fulton, NY ? Food pantries in the Pulaski, Sandy Creek and Lacona area will receive some much needed support as United Way of Greater Oswego County brings its first ever Stone Soup luncheon to Sandy Creek. Open to the public, the luncheon will be held Sunday, September 18th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive, just off Rt. 81 exit 37.

Eddy?s Place Restaurant, The River House Restaurant, Rainbow Shores Restaurant, and the Sandy Pond Steak House are providing soups for the luncheon, with other area businesses donating fresh vegetables for salad, rolls, coffee and desert.

The United Way is accepting donations of $5 per person. All proceeds from the luncheon will be used to support the Pulaski Community Ministries Food Pantry, the Sandy Creek / Lacona Community Cupboard, the Richland / Rural & Migrant Ministries Food Pantry, and the Lacona / North Country Christian Church Soup Kitchen. Attendees are encouraged to please bring a donation of non-perishable food items, as the United Way will be collecting donations for those food pantries as well.

Community members who would like to donate fresh produce from their garden are welcome to do so by bringing their donations to the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 17th from 9:00 ?11:00 a.m. Businesses wishing to be a part of the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon may contact Lois Luber at 315-593-1900.

Cut line for photo: Committee members for the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Stone Soup Luncheon recently visited the Pulaski Farmers? Market to help promote the event. Scheduled for Sunday, September 18th, the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon serves as a fundraiser for area food pantries, and will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive in Sandy Creek. Above from left are committee members, Pat Rossman, with her grandson Diesel Clark; Brian Leary, owner of Lakeshore Hardwoods; and Lois Luber, Resource Development Director for the United Way.

August 18th, 2011

Fulton, NY ? The United Way?s first ever Stone Soup luncheon in Sandy Creek is receiving some solid support from area restaurants and other businesses as committee members prepare the luncheon menu.

According to Lois Luber, resource development director for the United Way, Eddy?s Place Restaurant, The River House Restaurant, Rainbow Shores Restaurant, and the Sandy Pond Steak House will provide soups for the luncheon. ?We are appreciative of the support we are receiving for our Stone Soup luncheon. The concern that these businesses are demonstrating for their community is commendable,? said Luber.

Paula and Ed Ward of Eddy?s Place Restaurant, 3866 Rome Road in Pulaski, who are donating soup, are excited about the event. ?When Lois asked us for a donation to the luncheon we thought, what a great idea. Ed’s soups have become quite popular in this area and his Cream of Mushroom soup, which will be served at the luncheon, is probably the most popular and requested soup we serve.

The United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon is a fantastic, yet simple way to fundraise for our local food pantries. There is always a need for this service and having an affordable, simple luncheon for the public is a great way to do it. We are happy to be a part of it and I encourage everyone to come out to support this worthy cause,? said Paula.

Open to the public, the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon will be held Sunday, September 18th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive, just off Rt. 81 exit 37.

The United Way is accepting donations of $5 per person. All proceeds from the luncheon will be used to support the Pulaski Community Ministries Food Pantry, the Sandy Creek / Lacona Community Cupboard, the Richland / Rural & Migrant Ministries Food Pantry, and the Lacona / North Country Christian Church Soup Kitchen. Attendees are encouraged to please bring a donation of non-perishable food items, as the United Way will be collecting donations for those food pantries as well.

?We are still welcoming sponsors and donations from local businesses wishing to be a part of our Stone Soup Luncheon. Community members who would like to donate fresh produce from their garden are welcome to do so by bringing their donations to the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 17th from 9:00 ?11:00 a.m.,? added Luber.

Those unable to attend the luncheon, but would like to donate food items, may contact Peggy Manchester at 387-5539 for information on where to drop off non-perishable food donations throughout Oswego County.

For more information contact your United Way office at 593-1900.

Cut line for photo: Resource Development Director for the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Lois Luber (l), meets with Paula and Ed Ward of Eddy?s Place Restaurant, 3866 Rome Road in Pulaski, to plan the menu for the agency?s Stone Soup Luncheon. The luncheon, which serves as a fundraiser for area food pantries, will be held Sunday, September 18th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive in Sandy Creek.

August 10th, 2011

Fulton, NY ? With the need for food subsidy increasing and food pantries throughout Oswego County being hard pressed to meet the growing demand, the United Way of Greater Oswego County is doing its part to raise awareness of the food shortage in Oswego County and encourage the community to help fill the shelves of our area food pantries. On Sunday, September 18th the United Way of Greater Oswego County will hold their first ever Stone Soup Luncheon in Sandy Creek.

Hosted by Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive, just off Rt. 81 exit 37, the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon will draw upon the agency?s theme of ?Live United? as the United Way invites community members to come together to break bread, warm their hearts, gather with friends, and enjoy a delicious lunch of Stone Soup while helping to support Oswego County?s struggling food pantries.

?With the success of our Stone Soup Luncheons in Oswego and Fulton we thought it would be a great idea to introduce it to the Sandy Creek area,? said Resource Development Director for the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Lois Luber. ?There is a dire need for food subsidy in our county and it is becoming increasingly difficult for food pantries to meet this need. Our goal with the Stone Soup Luncheon is to not only raise awareness of this problem, but raise funds and provide food pantries in Oswego County with additional food.?

?The story of Stone Soup dates back to an event that took place in post-war Europe when the residents of an impoverished village all donated what they could to make a delicious meal that could feed the whole village. The moral of Stone Soup is that working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater good can be achieved,? explained Luber. ?It is a reflection of the United Way?s ?Live United? concept. We are all connected. When you reach out and help someone in need that action has an effect that reverberates throughout the community. By supporting the United Way you not only bring comfort to those in need, you help inspire others to lend their support and ultimately enable us and our member agencies to serve even more families and individuals.?

?Our Stone Soup Luncheon is an excellent example of this, as a number of caring local businesses have come forward to donate the food and beverages necessary. The River House Restaurant, Rainbow Shores Restaurant, Sandy Pond Steak House, and Eddy?s Place Restaurant will provide soups. Top?s Market will provide cake for dessert. Additional local businesses will be providing salad, fresh rolls, coffee and cookies,? added Luber.

The United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon is open to the public and will be held Sunday, September 18th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive. The United Way is accepting donations of $5 per person. All proceeds from the luncheon will be used to support the Pulaski Community Ministries Food Pantry, the Sandy Creek / Lacona Community Cupboard, the Richland / Rural & Migrant Ministries Food Pantry, and the Lacona / North Country Christian Church Soup Kitchen. Attendees are encouraged to please bring a donation of non-perishable food items, as the United Way will be collecting donations for those food pantries as well.

?Our food pantries are really feeling a strain this year and it is becoming especially challenging for them as they try to meet the demand for food subsidy throughout Oswego County,? added Luber. ?The food collected, and the money raised at our Stone Soup Luncheon will be greatly appreciated.?

Luber added that United Way is still seeking sponsors and donations for the Stone Soup Luncheon. ?We invite local businesses to be a part of our Stone Soup Luncheon and are welcoming additional sponsors. Community members wishing to donate fresh produce from their garden are welcome to do so by bringing their donations to the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 17th from 9:00 ?11:00 a.m.

Those unable to attend the luncheon, but would like to donate food items, may contact Peggy Manchester at 387-5539 for information on where to drop off non-perishable food donations throughout Oswego County.

For more information contact your United Way office at 593-1900.

Cut line for photo: United Way brings Stone Soup Luncheon to Sandy Creek. Committee members for the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Stone Soup Luncheon in Sandy Creek meet to discuss details for the event. Scheduled for Sunday, September 18th the Stone Soup luncheon, which will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive, serves as a fundraiser for area food pantries. Above seated from left are: Oswego County Opportunities? Director of Senior Nutrition, Amy Roland, Resource Development Director for United Way of Greater Oswego County, Lois Luber, Peggy Manchester of the Sandy Creek / Lacona Food Pantry; and Community Volunteer, Pat Rossman. Absent from photo are committee members, Penny Kimball of Rural and Migrant Ministries of Oswego County; Helen Hoefer, director of Emergency Services at Catholic Charities of Oswego County; Brian Leary of Lakeshore Hardwoods; and Kathy Crandall of Community Bank.