KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) With its annual fundraising campaign entering its final stretch, Monadnock United Way representatives Sophie Carney-Brenner and Scott Brown joined Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell Wednesday morning to discuss the organization’s fundraising goals, community programs and the difference local support is making throughout the Monadnock Region.

Carney-Brenner, the organization’s donor relations manager, and Brown, one of this year’s campaign co-chairs and a bank manager with Mascoma Bank in Keene, provided an update on the annual campaign, which has a goal of raising $1.525 million by the end of the year.

Carney-Brenner explained that the goal reflects the funding necessary to maintain services throughout the United Way’s service area, supporting neighbors and families across the region.

“We’re hoping to hit it, and it’s really crunch time for us,” she said.

One upcoming opportunity to help close the gap is Giving Tuesday, which falls on Dec. 1 this year. Monadnock United Way hopes to raise $30,000 in a single day, with Guyer and Son Roofing providing a $5,000 matching gift.

Donations made on Dec. 1 through the organization’s designated online Giving Tuesday link or by check with “Giving Tuesday” written in the memo line will qualify for the match.

Carney-Brenner said the organization will update its website donation link for the day to ensure contributions are properly tracked.

While fundraising remains a priority, the discussion also highlighted the direct impact of the organization’s work in local communities.

Carney-Brenner reported that the second annual statewide coat drive, which involved United Ways throughout New Hampshire, brought in more than 250 coats locally. Donations were collected at locations across the Monadnock Region during September and October, then dry cleaned before being distributed to families in need. The collection included coats for people of all ages.

Brown, who is serving as a campaign co-chair for the first time, said his involvement has given him a greater appreciation for the breadth of the United Way’s work and the number of people it reaches.

He said he initially viewed many nonprofit organizations as serving a particular population or addressing one specific need. Through his experience with Monadnock United Way, he has learned how many different communities and service areas benefit from its work.

The organization’s reach includes programs addressing housing instability, food insecurity and early childhood education, among other needs.

Brown also shared the story of Isabella, a young girl whose family experienced housing instability after losing the farmhouse they called home. The family spent months moving between motels before receiving assistance from Lori DeForest of Southwestern Community Services.

DeForest helped the family secure temporary shelter and continued providing resources, encouragement and support as they worked toward finding a permanent home.

Today, Isabella and her family are living in Keene, where they have a stable place to call home.

Brown said the experience illustrates why community support matters, noting that the challenges facing some families extend well beyond immediate needs such as food and warm clothing.

He also emphasized that contributing to the United Way does not necessarily mean making a financial donation.

“Strong communities are built by people who are willing to give their time, energy, and support to others,” Brown said.

For those interested in supporting the campaign, Carney-Brenner outlined several ways to contribute, including online donations, checks, bank transfers, cash and stock gifts. The organization also recently updated its volunteer webpage to make it easier for people to find opportunities to give their time.

Those interested in donating, volunteering or learning more about the campaign can visit muw.org.

With a $1.525 million campaign goal and Giving Tuesday approaching, Carney-Brenner and Brown encouraged residents throughout the Monadnock Region to consider how they can help support the programs and services that strengthen local communities.

Listen to the full interview: