For 86 years, volunteerism has been the foundation upon which the long-standing success of Lycoming County United Way has been built. Continuing that giving spirit, three generations of Lycoming County women are volunteering their combined efforts to assist United Way provide funding for county-wide human services.
Thanks to Diane Stine, Evelyn Free, Kaitlyn Twigg and Tanya Frey, plans are under way for a basket bingo at 1 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Old Lycoming Township Fire Hall. All proceeds will go to Lycoming County United Way.
The idea of the basket bingo was proposed by Stine, a United Way board member and longtime volunteer. Her mother, daughter and daughter-in-law quickly offered to pitch in to help plan to event.
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Lycoming County United Way supporters, from left, Diane Stine, Tanya Frey and Evelyn Free are working on a basket bingo fundraiser.
"I thought it would be a fun way to raise funds for a great cause. Bingo players can win current and retired Longaberger prizes with values up to $200 and enjoy an afternoon out with refreshments, door prizes and other games of chance," Stine said. "The baskets will be filled with donations from local businesses and friends of United Way, too."
Stine has volunteered with United Way in many capacities over the years including loaned executive, pacesetter, funds allocation, employee division campaign chair, Day of Caring and board of directors. She lives in Montoursville and is employed by L-3 Communication, Electron Devices. Free lives in Williamsport and has volunteered with United Way previously in the employee campaign. Planning basket bingo is the first United Way volunteer job for Stine's daughter Tanya, and daughter-in-law, Kaitlyn, who both live in Montoursville.
"I want to help United Way because of all the good they do for children who have disabilities," Free said. "It makes me feel good to know that the donation you give to United Way goes to the people who really need it. United Way shows the community exactly where the money goes."
Free said she is glad to help her mom plan the basket bingo event as a great way to give back to the community.
"And, I got involved because I felt I should be volunteering some of my free time to help others," Twigg said. "I like United Way because it donates to many different programs in the local community."
Advance bingo tickets are available for a $20 donation at the United Way office at 1225 Clayton Ave. Tickets at the door the day of the event are $25.
"Tickets can also be purchased from United Way board members and bingo planning committee members," Stine added.
There will be 20 regular games included with the ticket purchase. There also will be five special games available the day of the event. Doors open at noon with an Early Bird Special Game at 12:45 p.m.
"I enjoy helping United Way because it supports many essential human service programs in the county. Some of them could not operate without funding from United Way. Helping multiple programs with one special event is a fun way to do something good for our neighbors, and a great way for our family to give back to the community," Stine said.
"Today's community problems are more complex than ever - and solving them goes far beyond just one agency. United Way's program partners are doing great work every day, and when we work together, we take that work one step farther. Working together with a broad range of community partners, United Way is creating results that no one can accomplish alone," added Kate Pacacha, director of resource development and communications for LCUW. "With the community's help, we improve lives by funding programs and creating special initiatives that get to the heart of problems and create lasting changes right here in Lycoming County.
"We truly value the time and effort Diane and her family have put into this event. Without dedicated volunteers like them, we would not be able to do what we do," Pacacha said.
For more information on Lycoming County United Way or Basket Bingo, call 323-9448 or 433-4757.
