With just a little more than a month left in United Way’s 2010 campaign, the Freeborn County chapter is short $470,000 of its goal.

The 2010 goal for the Freeborn County United Way is $650,000.

To date, the local chapter has raised $179,000.

“Things are coming in, but it’s been a later year for us,” said Ann Austin, executive director of Freeborn County United Way.

Austin said several of the businesses who do large campaigns, which bring in a major portion of funds raised in the annual campaign, have waited until later in the season to get their campaigns started. Because of this, United Way expects more funds to come in towards the end of the campaign.

United Way’s 2010 campaign ends Dec. 31.

“We don’t know until the very end if the campaign is up or down,” said Austin.

She said this year has seen restructuring of the United Way campaign at several local businesses, which may also be taking its toll on the local campaign.

“Maybe United Way hasn’t been their largest priority, but they still remember us,” she said.

A residential mailer was sent to more than 6,000 Freeborn County residents the first week in September. Austin said that portion of the campaign is currently down $10,000.

To ensure that people don’t forget United Way in the upcoming holiday shuffle, the local chapter is sending a reminder letter to 300 past donors. This mailing will go out early this week.

United Way funds 31 programs in 18 agencies, essential for the well-being of the community. Austin said these programs benefit community members of all ages and focus mostly on education, income and health.