The Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) Annual Campaign is scheduled to end on November 30 and officials are very troubled by results so far.  With time running out on the eleven week-long campaign, United Way reports $626,641 has been turned in.

            Last spring, LCUW allocated $921,815 to 40 programs partners throughout Lycoming County.

“The numbers don’t lie,” said Dr. Oscar Knade, Lycoming County United Way 2009 campaign chair. “Although LCUW provided more funds to programs last year than the prior year, the program partners’ needs for funding exceeded the amount we had to allocate by $108,000. Even in a good year, our volunteers have difficult decisions to make on how best to allocate the funds to the most critical needs. ”

            “The human service needs of our community are not going to decrease,” explained Knade. “So if the needs were at least $1,000,000 last year, we know they are going to be even greater this year and at this point, we need ‘all hands on deck’ for additional community support to be able to fund these programs. If every person in Lycoming County gave just $5, less than the price of a fast-food lunch, we could raise $600,000. Can you bring lunch from home just one day this week and donate $5? It can add up quickly if everyone pitches in what they can.”

            LCUW officials are proud to point out that 97% of funds stay in Lycoming County to help our neighbors in need.

            “We are focused on five community needs categories: nurturing our children, caring for people in crisis, strengthening families, supporting our seniors, and serving those with special needs,” said Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director. “When you choose to support Lycoming County United Way, you don’t have to choose who to help because your donation helps meet these needs and many more.”

            “LCUW has a solid network of dedicated and experienced volunteers who are working diligently on this campaign because they believe in these programs and don’t want to see them lose funding or have to reduce services or, worst case scenario, have to close their doors,” stated Lowery.

            “There have been several companies where the employee campaigns have done remarkably well and we are grateful to those employees for the help they are giving. At the same time, there have been others which are unexpectedly down from a year ago. As each year the campaign receives about 60% of its total through workplace campaigns, negative downturns can have a devastating effect on the overall effort,” explained Knade. “We know of some companies who are running employee campaigns and have not turned their contributions in yet. We are optimistic that they will come through for the community and at the same time we are realistic that this year is far from business as usual.”

            “Please think twice’ when you consider your donation to United Way. If you thought you could not afford to give anything, please reconsider. If you think you can give a little more than you planned, you will help more people than you know,” concluded Knade.

            Proceeds from the United Way campaign help support 40 vital human service programs county wide.       To make a contribution or for more information, contact Lycoming County United Way, 1225 Clayton Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701, call 323-9448, or log on to lcuw.org.