The year is drawing to a close and that has the United Way concerned about 2017.
Currently, the North Okanagan-Columbia-Shuswap branch is 47 per cent of its $260,000 campaign goal.
"We are very concerned for our community," said Linda Yule, executive director.
“We have 30 programs that count on United Way funding to provide services for people in our area."
In 2015, United Way was asked for 40 per cent more than it had available to distribute.
"We know that several of our funded agencies are being asked for more services and looking to United Way to fill that need in the community," she said.
Among the groups that benefit from United Way are CNIB Vernon and Salmon Arm, Revelstoke Community Connections Society, the Enderby Family Resource Centre, Armstrong's Kindale Development Association, Vernon Community Kitchen, the Revelstoke Hospice Society, the Shuswap Hospice Society, Vernon Upper Room Mission and the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre in Lumby.
"We don’t want to see these groups having to fundraise. They should be focusing on developing and providing the needed programs," said Yule.
"I am very worried for programs that are making positive outcomes for local people.”
Donations can be made online at www.unitedwaynocs.com or call 250-250-549-1346.