For the second year in a row, the pandemic is taking a toll on the Sarnia-Lambton United Way's annual fundraising campaign.
Executive Director Dave Brown said they're at risk of falling short again this year.
He said so far they've raised $1.5 million or 86 percent of their $1.75 million target with just a couple weeks left to go.
"We're still quite concerned that this year we likely won't make the goal," he said. "But, we're doing the best we can to bridge the gap between where we're at now and that goal. We still got some employee campaigns yet to come in and we're still getting donations through the mail, so we're anticipating another push before the end of the year."
The 2020 campaign raised just over $1.75 million, or 92 per cent of the $1.9 million goal.
"It has been a struggle the last couple of years and largely it's COVID-19 pandemic related," said Brown. "We're also seeing though, that an increase in inflation is having an effect on the campaign as well."
The charitable organization helps fund 20 local agencies providing 40 programs and services to the community.
To find out more or to donate online visit https://www.theunitedway.on.ca/