Lycoming County United Way has literally thousands of supporters - individuals and businesses sharing their resources to help our neighbors in need right here in Lycoming County.
The folks at LCUW often say, 'every penny counts' and they mean it.
Their friends at Wegmans couldn't agree more.
"At Wegmans we strive to make a difference in our community," said Mike Ruby, store manager. "We're committed to improving the lives of our customers and employees in every way we can. Being part of community life and setting an example of leadership giving is central in our heritage and operating philosophy."
"United Way provides efficient funding for programs that make a difference and we are proud to work together," Ruby added. "For many years we've held an employee campaign to raise funds for United Way, and the last four years we've invited our customers to be part of the program as well. For a two-three week period, when shoppers are at check out, our associates ask them if they'd like to round up their total to the next whole dollar and the difference goes to United Way. Our shoppers are generous people, and when they each add a few cents to give to United Way, it really adds up."
Over the last three years, Wegmans shoppers have donated $12,210.81 to United Way through the check-out program. This year's 'Round-Up' program ends Saturday.
"As you come through the check-out line the next few days, our associates will ask you to add a few cents to your total up to the next whole dollar," Ruby said. "Each of us at Wegmans is proud to support our community and we're happy to have our shoppers join us in the effort because in this case, every penny really does count."
"To provide the help to the human service programs we serve truly takes a dedicated team effort," said Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director. "It has often been said that achieving something worthwhile is never easy and raising funds is certainly not easy! But each year our annual community campaign receives help from a variety of sources which includes businesses doing creative things at their workplace to raise some additional dollars."
"Putting a little fun into their fundraising is something Wegmans has been doing over the past few years to create awareness and get more people involved. They even had "celebrity baggers" come in and greet folks while bagging their groceries during the round-up program one year. It's all done in the spirit of fun."
"We are most grateful to have supporters like Wegmans and their shoppers," said Lowery. "We appreciate Wegmans taking the initiative to create this special project and the shoppers for sharing their change. We certainly understand not everyone has change to spare or money for groceries at all and that's why we do what we do."
Proceeds from the United Way campaign help support 38 vital human service programs county-wide. Last year these services were used more than 46,000 times by county residents that's about one in every three people in the county.
