Beech Tree News Network

When neighbors are in need Butler Countians answer the call. That proved to be true once again on Friday, November 8th when the 2nd Annual Morgantown Mission Radio-thon hit the airwaves to raise money to feed needy families in Butler County.

Gary McKinney, Director of the Mission, first approached Diane Dyer from Beechtree News/WLBQ in November of 2012 about a fundraiser to help raise money to fill holiday food baskets. The inaugural Radio-thon had the goal of filling 130 baskets by getting $30 pledges from listeners. At the end of the first fundraiser 140 baskets had been filled, and went to local families to help brighten their holidays.

This year McKinney raised the goal to 150 baskets, and moved the Radio-thon up two weeks in hopes of boosting the response.

"Our need is greater this year," said McKinney. "Last year I was able to set back some hams throughout the fall to help fill the baskets. This year we've given more meat to the soup kitchen, so we don't have anything to start the baskets, and sadly there are more people in need this year."

In response to the increased need McKinney set the goal at 150 baskets. Each $30 dollar pledge allows McKinney to fill a basket with a turkey or ham, canned corn and peas, instant potatoes, gravy mix, rolls, cranberry sauce, and dessert. "We give them enough food for a family of four, and more than enough meat. It's a good start to a dinner. If they want to add a little to it they can have a nice big dinner," said McKinney. For Christmas dinner baskets McKinney also adds fruit and candy.

The Radio-thon got an early start on the WLBQ radio program Out On A Limb. Deionne Cannon-Merritt had the honor of being the first donor to the Mission when she called to pledge two baskets. Following Merritt's lead Roger and Betty Southerland called to pledge two baskets, with Russell Givens coming by the studio to buy a basket. Sarah and Devon Cannon pledged two baskets and  Cotton Embry, of Double E Vending, called and pledged $100, and the Radio-thon was off to a good start.

Once the show went on the air at 9 a.m. The giving continued, as a steady stream of donors and callers kept Diane Dyer, Landon Hampton, Josh Hampton, and John Embry busy at the Mission. At the WLBQ studios several walk-in donors boosted the receipts, and after two hours the Radio-thon had half the baskets needed to reach the goal.

Throughout the morning Mission Employee Kevin Flener kept answering calls as the donations continued to come in. Then, around noon, donations slowed down with the fundraiser still almost 40 baskets short of the goal.

"We got a little worried we weren't going to make it," said Diane Dyer.

Throughout the morning WLBQ morning DJ Smokin' Joe Morris had played Christmas songs to get listeners in a giving mood. Morris and Dyer noticed that every time Elvis Christmas songs were played that donations went up.

"I told Smokin' Joe to play some more Elvis," said Dyer, "It worked and the pledges started coming in again."

With 13 minutes left in the broadcast the fundraiser was still 13 baskets short of the goal, but last minute donations pushed the pledges to 168 baskets as the show went off the air.

"Thanks to everyone and praise The Lord" was the response of McKinney at the close of the program.

However the giving continued. Kevin Flener continued to work the phones, and late donors kept dropping by the Mission. When the Mission closed on Friday the final count was 180 baskets filled.

McKinney said he thinks one reason why people here are so willing to help the Mission is that they trust the money goes where it's supposed to go. "People know we are trying to help folks with this money, and they know it's going to people right here in the county."

While the Radio-thon is over McKinney stresses that it's not too late to help out this year. "Anyone can come by the Mission and give us $30 and we will fill another basket, and at this time of year donations of clothes, toys, books, and anything else are needed for the holidays."

"Something like this really makes you proud to be from Butler County," said WLBQ Meteorologist Landon Hampton, co-host of the event. "Doing this really gives you a good feeling."

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone that donated.