VIDEO: ‘It’s the little things that mean so much:’ Veterans Count Radiothon

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‘The Little Things’ – Veterans Count Radiothon on Vimeo.


 

MANCHESTER, NH Renée Plummer is a woman on a mission. She kicked off her shoes and was busy scribbling on small scraps of paper. Halfway through the 12-hour Veterans Count radiothon (March 23 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.) Plummer was busy prepping for the next update to share with Jack Heath, who was working from the WGIR broadcast studio, and listeners, who she hopes will continue supporting the cause.

“We just had a caller from Washington state,” says Plummer, jotting it down on paper. A few minutes later she was making the rounds, scribbling more notes on paper – a veteran just called in to donate $22 (in honor of the 22 veterans who take their lives each day due to suicide, according to statistics) and challenged others to match his gift; a business owner in Hooksett called in to donate $500 and challenged other local businesses to do the same.

“Our goal is to exceed last year’s total,” said Joe Emmons, Director of Development for Veterans Count.

Donations from students at Main Street School in Exeter, brought in by Laura Barker of Finders Keepers.
Little things with big intention: Donations from students at Main Street School in Exeter, brought in by Laura Barker of Finders Keepers.

Last year the inaugural radiothon raised about $130,000. Emmons said as of noon on Wednesday, they were on track to beat that figure.

“We’re excited to have 12 hours to let the general public know about what we do here at Veterans Count, and to raise money for the service members, veterans and their families that we’re assisting,” said Karen Van Der Beken, Chief Development Officer for Easter Seals.

Renee Plummer preps for the next radio update during Wednesday's Veterans Count radiothon.
Renee Plummer preps for the next radio update during Wednesday’s Veterans Count radiothon.

The radiothon is made possible thanks to the generosity of many community sponsors, volunteers who man the phones in shifts throughout the day, and those who call to donate.

Veterans Count, a program of Easter Seals, provides any kind of assistance needed, explains Van Der Beken, from rent or bills to the deeper needs that may have led to financial insecurity in the first place.

“Our donors are making a big difference today,” Van Der Beken said.

The radiothon is being broadcast on WGIR AM 610, NewsTalk 96-7, and also streaming online (link here) or listen via the iHeartRadio app on your phone!

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!