United Way of CNY

The Corporate Volunteer Council - a coalition of more than 50 local business and organizations - is working to address hunger in Central New York by volunteering members' time and talents at the Samaritan Center. At a kick-off event on February 17, 29 companies were recognized for their commitment to the effort, which will include serving meals, painting and cleaning projects, baking and donating breakfast breads and desserts, and coordinating hygiene product drives to benefit Samaritan Center clients. The CVC worked with United Way of Central New York to determine where help was most needed in the community, and decided to focus on providing basic needs for struggling families and individuals by partnering with the Samaritan Center. We'd like to thank the Corporate Volunteer Council and The Samaritan Center for their outstanding work in our community. 

Salvation Army / Syracuse Area Services employees closed their 2009 United Way campaign Friday with a "Family Feud"-style competition. Two teams squared off against one another, answering United Way- and Salvation Army-themed questions. And there was even the Salvation Army's own version of Richard Dawson! The winning team was awarded a half day off from work. Thank you to the employees of the Salvation Army for their hard work, and for running an excellent campaign.  

The Corporate Volunteer Council of Central New York (CVC) participated in the National Dictionary Project again this year. CVC members donated dictionaries to nearly 2,000 third graders in 22 Syracuse schools. The dictionaries will become the personal property of each third grader as a tool and representation of the importance of good reading and writing skills. This project does not just occur in Syracuse, but all over the country. We’d like to thank the CVC for working to improve literacy skills in our community. Their dedication certainly deserves an A+.  

Employees of Carrier Corporation recently played a soccer game to raise money for United Way of Central New York. Many of the players' coworker spectators were impressed by the high level of athleticism and talent displayed on the field. Thanks to all who participated in this fun event. 

To celebrate the close of their 2009 United Way campaign, employees at Nationwide Insurance held a pinewood derby. The designed their own cars and pitted them against each other Oct. 7, eventually crowning one lucky racer. 

Federal employees staged a race for the ages Thursday afternoon to benefit the Combined Federal Campaign. Brave souls raced "Green Machine" tricycles outside the federal building in downtown Syracuse, facing off in several heats until a winner was finally crowned. 

Employees at SRC held a Tug of War to raise awareness for the company's annual United Way campaign. Seventy-two people on nine teams competed in an all-out battle of the muscles, fueled by cider and doughnuts, and plenty of spectators spent their lunch hour watching the action despite the chilly fall weather. Thanks to SRC for running a fantastic and fun campaign