Similar to the area’s progressing recovery from the September flooding, Lycoming County United Way officials describe the 2011 campaign progress as ‘ongoing and steady’ during the drive’s first few weeks.

 “Due to many weather related difficulties so many people encountered last month, our campaign got off to a slower start than normal, but we have seen steady improvement since then with more than a quarter million dollars collected to date,” said LCUW campaign chair Virgil Probasco.

 “The $257,641 raised so far has largely been generated from earlier mailings to our Leadership and residential donors. The larger employee workplace campaigns are for the most part just getting organized. Our volunteers have seen some encouraging signs and several workplace locations have reported their campaigns are running well ahead of last year’s pace.”

Those early returns are led by employee contributions at Wirerope Works and the South Williamsport Area School District, where both locations have reached their all time giving highs.

The Wirerope campaign achieved a 22% increase over last year featuring a marked increase in both employee participation and leadership giving. The South Williamsport campaign topped last year’s previous giving high by 9%.

 “What has been achieved this year at both Wirerope and South Williamsport has been the results of dedicated volunteers and an increased awareness regarding the United Way mission in our community and how many people are helped by those human service programs working under our umbrella. We are most grateful for the support they have provided and are indebted to the workplace volunteers who have worked so hard on our behalf,” added Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director.

 Contributions received by Lycoming County United Way are allocated to 43 human service programs operating in Lycoming County. These programs encompass five identified impact areas including, nurturing our children, serving those with special needs, caring for people in crisis, supporting our seniors and strengthening our families. During the past year 42,747 county residents were served by these various programs.

 Individuals interested in making contribution to the campaign effort may do so by contacting the Lycoming County United Way office at One West Third Street, Suite 208; by calling 323-9448, or logging on to lcuw.org.

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