1/24/18 – 5:06 A.M.

Hancock County residents continue to show their generosity. That’s according to United Way of Hancock County Officials, who announced the 2017 fundraising campaign topped $3.3 million. That’s a new record for the county and more than $60,000 over 2016’s total.

Campaign co-chair Chris Ostrander said, “We are extremely appreciative of every single pledge – from the $1 a week donor who gives through their workplace campaign, to the donors at the Gaslight level of $750 or more.” Co-chair Dina Ostrander added, “We have so many great people in Hancock County opening their hearts to others who just need some assistance to improve their lives. It’s so encouraging to see our campaign dollars continue to rise.”

The United Way also announced they are getting a big boost from Don and Carrie Templin over the next several years. They were already in the final year of a five-year plan to donate $35,000 annually. The Templin’s decided to pledge $500,000 over the course of the next five years to benefit the Halt Hunger initiative.