On Oct. 12th the United Way of Greater Oswego County will be holding their 22nd annual Walk-a-Thon, a 5K walk around campus that will pass newly opened building Shineman Science Complex, and Sheldon hall.

Registration will begin at noon in front of Lanigan Hall, while the walk will start at 1 p.m.  Registration is $5, and all proceeds will benefit the United Way of Greater Oswego County. The first 150 participants who register will receive a free T-shirt. At the end of the walk there will be a prize drawing.

“United Way applauds Oswego State students and staff in their volunteer efforts to support the community, Lois Luber, the resource development director at United Way of Greater Oswego County, said. “Their commitment to the Walk-a-Thon event has helped raise awareness of local human need, and the programs that address them.”

Last year, the Walk-a-Thon raised $855 toward the United Way’s total goal of $40,000.

United Way of Greater Oswego County raises funds to help thousands of people throughout the community. It is also part of a national network of 1,300 United Way agencies throughout the nation. The United Way of Greater Oswego County works with 20 local partner agencies and supports 34 human service programs throughout five areas: emergency service, children and family services, health and special needs, senior services and youth development. These five areas are the focus of United Way of Greater Oswego County’s support. Its mission is to improve lives by fostering partnerships, mobilizing the community to give and volunteer, raise awareness of local human needs, and support solutions that address those needs.

ARISE Center for Independent Living is one program that the United Way of Greater Oswego County supports. ARISE provides assistance to people who have trouble moving around there home. Through ARISE, a local elderly woman received a ramp, which allowed her to easily enter her home. The same woman had not been able to leave her home for almost two years do to mobility issues. ARISE currently has 60 families hoping to receive ramps due similar accessibility issues.

The United Way of Greater Oswego County is also known for its annual Stuff-a-Bus campaign, which collects school supplies for local families.  Over 1,800 children are in need of school supplies each year throughout Oswego County.

The Walk-a-Thon is sponsored by Oswego State Auxiliary Services. All proceeds of the walk will go to United Way of Greater Oswego County.