BROADCASTS.com

Reliable private transportation. An affordable place to live. A safe and enriching childcare program. These are just some of the services offered by area charities that will benefit from the 2018 Unity Campaign for Frederick. The annual collaborative fundraiser aims to break the record books by raising $475,000 for 31 nonprofits that provide health, educational and financial stability programs to struggling Frederick families. But where exactly does that money go? And who does it help? And why does it matter? On this special episode of Frederick Uncut, host Colin McGuire and reporter Nancy Lavin talk with United Way of Frederick County executive director Ken Oldham about the expanded scope and size of this year's collaborative campaign, which kicks off Sept. 11 followed by the signature "12 days of giving" Sept. 11-23. By the way, the end date happens to be Oldham's birthday, if you're looking for a gift idea. We also hear from leaders of three three Unity Campaign participants about the programs and people they serve with the help of fundraisers like Unity. Rick Trawick, director of Second Chances Garage, highlights the need for affordable, refurbished cars that give rural residents a way to get to work, to the store, or many other services otherwise inaccessible by public transportation. Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County's Executive Director Ron Cramer talks affordable housing, and the ways Habitat has filled the need for first-time home-owners and longtime residents of deteriorating properties. Lisa McDonald, the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County's executive director, explains how planned expansion into the old Lincoln Elementary School will allow the club to quadruple its after school and summer programming for children and teenagers.