SHAMOKIN - After an outstanding fundraising campaign last year, the Lower Anthracite Region United Way (LARUW) hopes to repeat that success in 2012.
Executive director Whitney Fetterman said the local chapter collected approximately $68,000 in donations in 2011 and filled more than 100 backpacks for school children in the latest Stuff the Bus campaign.
"I am hoping we can have that kind of growth again this year," Fetterman said during the campaign's kick off luncheon at the Original Italian Pizza Restaurant, where the goal for 2012 was again set at $50,000.
The luncheon was attended by chapter board members and representatives of seven of the 10 agencies that are helped by LARUW.
Following the meal, each agency representative was given a few minutes to talk about the work they do and what was done with United Way funding.
"For this area, we used our funding for disaster response and preparation," said SUN Chapter of the American Red Cross director Tom Szulanczyk. "In the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area, there are a lot of row homes. One fire could impact 10 to 12 people that we have to be ready to help."
Gail Zalar of Central Susquehanna Opportunities said funds from the United Way made life a little easier for many in the area.
"Our United Way funding was put into our volunteer income tax preparation program, which helped over 500 people last year," Zalar said.
Through that work, Zalar said more than $500,000 in income tax refunds went into the pockets of program participants.
CSO also put to good use an $8,000 grant the local United Way received from the Shell Oil Corp. for flood relief efforts.
Other agencies represented at the luncheon were Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Manna for the Many Food Pantry, Avenues (formerly United Cerebral Palsy), VNA Health System, and ARC of Northumberland County.
"Without the United Way's help, we couldn't do what we do," said ARC Executive Director Ed Coup.
"Many people have the misconception that the United Way only helps the underprivileged in the area," said Peggy Reichenbach from Big Brothers/Big Sisters. "The American Red Cross was right there for my family when there was a fire at my childhood home. My home was one of many affected by the flood. The work that we all do will help someone and we are all glad the United Way is there to help us do this good work."
Other agencies funded by LARUW include Central Susquehanna Sight Services and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America.
Pledge brochures can be found at the United Way's office on the third floor of the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Arch and Eighth streets.
Contributions can be sent to the Lower Anthracite Region United Way at 2 E. Arch St., Shamokin 17872. For more information, call 644-1894 or email laruw@verizon.net.