SYRACUSE -- Recession. Downturn. Challenging economy. Those were the buzz words at the United Way's "Achievements in Caring" event at the Oncenter in Syracuse - but some companies like Nixon Gear in Solvay still found ways to donate.

Nixon Gear, recognized as small business of the year by the United Way, was forced to layoff some employees in 2009 and others were cut to 32 hour work weeks but the company was able to increase their United Way giving.

"Nobody is completely insulated from the world around them and our guys felt compelled to do a little bit more and they did," said Nixon Gear President Sam Haines.

New Venture Gear is in the process of shutting down and 1400 employees face an uncertain future. UAW Local 624 President Scott Stanton wondered if a United Way campaign was too much to ask of employees, but then saw them go out and raise $114,000.

"I learned a lesson. I always say the folks that I represent that are generous and giving and all involved in the community - it's all true," said Stanton. "It's a difficult year and they gave just the same."

In the end, the United Way's Community Campaign raised $7,864,762. That is $635,238 less than last year's total of $8.5 million. Local United Way President Frank Lazarski said that's a success considering the current environment - but now he has tough decisions about cuts to the 102 programs the United Way funds locally.

"Those decisions will be made over couple of weeks because we've got to give the agencies time to adjust before July 1st. That's when this new amount of money we've raised will kick in," said Lazarski.

The economic downturn that has hurt donations has also meant greater need for many of the organizations that depend on the United Way for funding.