The Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) Annual Campaign was scheduled to end on November 30 however officials have declared overtime.

            “This is not a game or a competition,” said Dr. Oscar Knade, Lycoming County United Way 2009 campaign chair. “This is about our very own neighbors’ lives and well-being and we will not quit when we are so far behind.”

            “Hundreds of United Way volunteers worked diligently to raise funds for the last twelve weeks to support more than 40 program partners,” stated Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director. “We have raised $710,310. That simply will not meet the needs of our community so we’ve called ‘overtime’ on the campaign.”

            “Falling short of what our program partners need will mean there will be a reduction of services or in some instances no services at all, for Lycoming County residents whose very well-being depends on them. These are difficult times, but with no United Way help, they will be even more difficult for thousands of our friends and neighbors,” added Knade.

            “The importance of the campaign to the community cannot be overstated. These unprecedented times call for unprecedented actions. We reached out to the local radio stations for help and we are most appreciative that they did not hesitate to get involved and lend us their air time,” explained Lowery. “On Friday, Backyard Broadcasting and Clear Channel Radio will host an all-day radio-thon for United Way.”

            Dan Farr, General Manager of Backyard Broadcasting and Jim Dabney, General Manager of Clear Channel Radio issued the following joint statement:

 "Every day our companies compete for listeners and advertising dollars, but the one thing our radio stations always do, both together and separately, is serve the public. We believe the cause of Lycoming County United Way and the programs it serves is too important not to join efforts. That's why we're working together on December 4th to ask our listeners and businesses to band together this holiday season and support the 2009 Lycoming County United Way Campaign." 

            Listeners can tune into the following stations from 6:00am to 5:00pm on Friday to learn more about United Way, its program partners, and how to make a donation:

102.7 KISS FM, WILQ 105.1 FM, BILL 95 FM, WBZD “Oldiez” 93 FM, Variety 97.7 FM, WZXR 99.3 FM / 103.7 FM, 107.9 FM, Newstalk WRAK 1200 & 1400 AM and now 94.9 FM, WWPA 1340 AM, WBLJ 95.3 FM, and WVRZ 99.7 FM

            United Way volunteers will be set up with the radio stations at The Genetti Hotel in Williamsport to receive donations and pledges by phone. Donors may also drop off their contributions during the radio-thon at The Genetti Hotel front entrance where a volunteer will accept drive-thru donations or in the Garden Terrace Room. All donors who come in person will receive a coupon from Dunkin Donuts while supplies last.

            As a longtime loyal supporter of Lycoming County United Way, Comcast was also quick to join the emergency radio-thon effort and donate phone services.

            “Comcast is proud to be a part of this community and we are happy to help in this event,” said Joe Rocco, government & community affairs manager for Comcast Cable. “Our participation reflects the commitment our employees have demonstrated with their pledge contributions during this year’s United Way campaign.”

            LCUW officials are proud to point out that 97% of funds raised in the annual campaign stay here 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 Knade. “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.”

            “Every program we support must demonstrate measureable results and is carefully reviewed by impartial volunteers. Donors can be assured their contributions will make the greatest impact possible and met the most critical needs of our community,” concluded Knade.           

            To make a contribution or for more information, contact Lycoming County United Way, 1225 Clayton Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701, visit www.lcuw.org, or call 570-323-9448.