PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) – WAGM’s United Way Telethon was a success. News Source 8 reporter Megan Waceken spoke with people at the telethon to learn more about how it went and where the money will go.
For the fourth year, WAGM has partnered with the United Way of Aroostook to host a fundraiser that supports the programs and initiatives the United Way supports throughout the year. This year the fundraiser raised over $10,000.
Kelly Landeen, General Manager at WAGM, says, “WAGM loves being part of the fundraiser because we can reach so many people and reach everyone in Aroostook County. All of the money we raise today will stay local and benefit many different organizations and everyone from young to old.”
The money raised benefits the community and supports dozens of programs such as Catholic Charities, the new Childcare Resource Center, Dolly’s Imagination Library and many other programs that help those in need. Jennifer Deschene is the board chair of United Way.
Deschene says, “This is really important. We’re all in this together and we don’t want anyone to be left empty-handed. There are people around us who are food insecure. There are people around us who are struggling to pay their utilities and there’s the third thing we really want to make progress on: the child care crisis.”
Calls came in from all over the country to make donations that will have a lasting impact. George Watson was one of many who answered the phone and collected donations.
Watson says, “Some of the calls I’ve heard have come from the valley and some from the surrounding area, so it’s a statewide issue. That’s one of the things Aroostook can be proud of.”
Sarah Duncan, executive director of United Way, says, “Aroostook County is the most generous place to live and it’s just great to see how friends and neighbors take care of each other. And that’s the special thing about living here: everyone really looks out for each other and that’s demonstrated every year through these fundraising galas.”
There is still time to donate. You can go to wagmtv.com and click on the United Way Telethon tab at the top of the homepage. We will continue to provide updates throughout the year so you can know exactly how your donations have helped the community.
Megan Waceken, News Source 8.
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