SHAMOKIN - The Lower Anthracite Region United Way (LARUW) campaign reached $44,891.77 as of Thursday as it works toward a goal of $50,000.
Several corporations, small businesses and individuals in the area are to thank for helping boost the fund drive recently, said Whitney Fetterman, executive director.
LARUW thanks UGI Utilities Inc. for its corporate pledge of $900 and their employees for their payroll deductions of $208; AT&T for its United Way campaign and their employees, who designated $1,045.98; Weis Markets for its corporate donation of $800; The News-Item for its donation of $700; Boyer's Food Markets for raising $843 during its icon sale, and to all the generous residents of the area who donated.
The local chapter also thanks the generous Raup and Willis families of Shamokin, who donated a dollar for every Christmas tree they sold and raised $100 for the 2011 campaign.
LARUW serves Shamokin, Coal Township, Elysburg, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont, Paxinos and the Trevorton areas.
All campaign funds are donated to 10 charitable member agencies, including Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Central Susquehanna Sight Services, Manna for the Many, American Red Cross, The ARC of Susquehanna Valley, Girls Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Avenues and the VNA.
The LARUW office is located at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, 2 E. Arch St.
Donations for the 2011 campaign are still being accepted and can be sent to LARUW at 2 E. Arch St., Suite 306 Shamokin 17872. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
"LARUW appreciates the donations made by all of the individuals who reside in this area," Fetterman said. "All of the residents, small businesses and corporations help a small area like ours continue to prosper in such difficult economic times."