With about one week to go until the end of its campaign, the United Way of Freeborn County is still $200,000 short of reaching its goal.

As of Thursday, the organization had collected about $359,000. 

The goal, made up of the needs of United Way partner agencies, is $570,000.

Executive Director Ann Austin said she thinks donations are down because of changes in some corporate giving structures and a reduction in workplace United Way events and fundraisers.

Some local businesses have been sold to outside businesses with different procedures for giving.

“This is a big year of transition for us,” Austin said. “We’ve been able to adapt over the years, but this year I think it’s going to hit us harder. The changes that are taking place — it’s going to be a new normal for how we operate as a community.”

She said the trend is being seen  at other United Way organizations as well.

She encouraged people to give locally, where people know how their donations are being used.

Though financial donations are down, Austin said she has seen more people who are wanting to volunteer and get involved with various efforts in the community.

“That’s encouraging because there’s so much we can do as a community even if we don’t have all the funding for programs,” Austin said. “Volunteers are a key piece to many of the programs.”

She said if people want to volunteer, they can contact the Community Resource Center at 473-2718.

Donations must be postmarked by Saturday to be accepted.

As of Thursday, there were still seven large donations expected to arrive.

Austin said there is a possibility the length of the giving period could be revisited in the future.

The United Way supports 27 programs in the community.