Just past the halfway point of its 12-week annual campaign, Lycoming County United Way officials have reported raising $431,277.
"We have been optimistic throughout the early planning process and the beginning weeks of the campaign," said Virgil Probasco, 2012 campaign chairman. "We're happy to be making progress and seeing the donation totals increase week to week.."
The majority of campaign contributions come through workplace giving, and several local companies have reported increased support of United Way.
The biggest employee campaign in the county is held by Kellogg Co. in Muncy.
"We are absolutely thrilled to have $85,718 contributed by our team members this year," reported Kellogg plant Manager Tim Bair. "We had 75 percent of our employees participate in the United Way campaign and we couldn't be more proud of their compassion for our community. We also did some special fundraisers and our corporate office matches the employee (by giving the) United Way a total of $180,500."
"The employees at Kellogg have a very significant impact on our campaign and ability to fund human service programs and we are extremely appreciative of their kindness," said Dr. William Martin, senior vice president of Pennsylvania College of Technology and campaign vice chairman.
Earlier this week, Kellogg celebrated Tony the Tiger's 60th birthday and invited the LCUW team to the Muncy bakery for cake and a check presentation.
Other companies reporting positive employee campaigns this week included Macy's, where two-thirds of the employees participated and giving increased 19 percent over last year. The Tech Group in Williamsport has reported a 38-percent increase in giving.
"We are grateful for the support of so many local businesses hosting campaigns with their employees," said Probasco.
