SHAMOKIN - The Lower Anthracite Region United Way (LARUW) campaign total shot up from $24,000 at the end of January to $42,408.27 this week, chapter executive director Whitney Fetterman reported. The goal is $50,000.
Among the corporations, small businesses and individuals credited for their donations are PPL Corp. and PPL Employees, Susquehanna Bank and Susquehanna Bank employees, Weis Markets, Wal-Mart, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, The News-Item, Geisinger employees, Penndel Containers, Boyer's Food Market in Mount Carmel, Farrow's Funeral Home, Aqua PA, UGI Utilities Inc. employees, VNA Health Systems, Sunbury Motors, Eyesense, The Medicine Shoppe, Coal Township commissioners, State Farm Insurance Agency and Roadarmel Springer LLC.
The chapter is still collecting donations toward the 2012 campaign.
There are 33,741 total residents in LARUW's service area.
"If half of those individuals donated $5, LARUW would exceed its campaign goal by $34,352.50," Fetterman noted.
The agencies that are granted funding are agencies that reach out to a diverse group of individuals. The agencies are Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Central Susquehanna Sight Services, Manna for the Many, The American Red Cross, The ARC of Susquehanna Valley, Girls Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Avenues and the VNA.
"Several of these agencies could have assisted you, your family, a friend or neighbor," Fetterman said. "If at all possible, lend a helping hand and give back to the agencies who have given your community so much."
LARUW serves Shamokin, Coal Township, Elysburg, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont, Paxinos and Trevorton areas.
Donations can be sent to LARUW, Suite 306, 2 E. Arch St., Shamokin 17872. Call 644-1894 or write to laruw@verizon.net.