EARRS Mission & Purpose
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The Eastern Area Radio Reading Service
(EARRS) is this area's only radio reading service for the blind and
print-impaired. It is a volunteer-run, and contributor supported nonprofit
organization.
EARRS is dedicated to providing timely
printed matter and consumer information to the blind, physically disabled,
and visually disabled residents of the Cape Fear area. Our services
are designed to help those individuals lead enriched, productive and
independent lives.
Being uninformed is a serious handicap that
hinders one's ability to make common everyday decisions, as well as
informed decisions as citizens. Since 1999, EARRS has filled an
information void among the blind and print-impaired population by offering
a simple, cost-effective method of accessing printed news and information
published in daily, weekly and monthly periodicals.
EARRS is the only service of its kind in the
region providing free reading services to one of the community's most
under-served citizen groups. The programming helps listeners by providing
equal access to dated information, alleviating isolation and providing a
vital social connection. |
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Whom we serve
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Our signal is well received in New Hanover,
Pender, Brunswick, Columbus, and parts of Duplin and Onslow
counties.
Our primary function is the reading of local
news and announcements in the Cape Fear Area, but its service also
includes readings of other news and information from around the state and
nation. Its core source of local news is the area's largest local
newspaper, the Wilmington Star-News.
EARRS broadcasts on a subcarrier-FM signal
that is not available on regular radios. Special radios that receive
only this one signal are required to hear our broadcasts. EARRS
provides these radios to listeners without charge, so they are a
significant expense for our organization.
EARRS signal also can be heard on stereo
television sets via their Second Audio Program (SAP). The reading
service is also heard in area retirement communities, senior centers and
hospices.
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EARRS Schedule
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EARRS is the local segment of a more lengthy
programming schedule that also provides regional and national information.
Local Cape Fear area news is reported live by
volunteer readers from 8:30 AM until 11:30 AM, each week day, and then is
rebroadcast from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
In addition to these local news segments,
other news and information programs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. |
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How Can I Help Support EARRS!
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EARRS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
organization, recognized by both the State and Federal government.
As such, any contributions in cash, materials or services, may be
deductible for income taxes.
Supporters have elected to contribute to
EARRS in various ways:
 A cash contribution is especially welcome since our
specific needs change over time, and other contributions may be restricted
to a single purpose. Be an "EARRS Angel." Designate an annual
contribution for the support of EARRS and we will send you a reminder at
just the time of year you specify, and will include a report of the
progress and activities of our organization. Be a "Radio Producer." A contribution of $150
will provide a radio and support services for one individual listener. For
contributions from our Radio Producers, an engraved medallion is placed on
an individual radio with the contributor's name, in recognition of their
generosity. Participate in the contribution matching program that many companies
offer to their employees. Provide a memorialcontribution if you wish to make a
contribution to honor a friend or relative. We will also acknowledge
your gift to the person honored or his/her family. A contribution of current products and services
such as printing, electronic services, office supplies and other ordinary
business items is always welcome. We are happy to provide information to persons that want to include a bequest for the Eastern Area Radio Reading
Service in their wills. For products with a nominal value of at least $100, we've established the "EARRS on eBay"program. We accept your product
with the understanding that we will sell the item at auction on eBay.
Finally, be a Volunteer! The most fundamental
need we have is for the effort, enthusiasm and goodwill of our team of
Volunteers. Call or write... either way, we would be
pleased to provide you with information about getting service for yourself
or someone that you know. |
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Volunteers & Supporters
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Volunteers are always needed to read, work in
the studio, help with special events, work in the office, and
more.
However, there are many other ways to support
EARRS:
Invite
an EARRS representative to speak at your social or professional
organization. Contact
your company's community support committee to tell them you support
EARRS. Contact
your doctor, clergy, and/or friends to tell them about
EARRS. Reach
out to a visually impaired person and ask if they are aware of EARRS
services. Let the
Trust Departments of financial institutions know of EARRS, in case they
have clients who would like to make a bequest to the
organization. |
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Contact Us
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You can
find EARRS in Wilmington, North Carolina, in the offices of WHQR-FM Radio.
Mail
should be addressed to P. O. Box 144, Wilmington, NC 28402-0144.
Our
telephone number is 910-362-0903. E-mail
can be sent to Info@EARRS.org |
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Helpful Links
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North Carolina
Sites
Governor Morehead School for the Blind CONNECT
NC Council of the Blind CONNECT
NC Lib-Blind & Physically Handicapped CONNECT
NC Lib-Blind & Physically Handicapped Catalog CONNECT
Friends of the Library for the Blind CONNECT
National Sites
American Council of the Blind CONNECT
American Foundation for the Blind CONNECT
National Federation of the Blind CONNECT
National Library Services - Blind & Physically CONNECT
Rehabilitation Services Administration CONNECT
International Assn of Audio Information Services CONNECT
Reel Books - Books on tape CONNECT
Lighthouse, Inc.(Low vision Products) CONNECT
The Macular Degeneration Partnership CONNECT
The National Braille Press CONNECT
Guide Dogs CONNECT
Leader Dog CONNECT |
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 Eastern Area Radio Reading Service
P. O. Box 144 \ Wilmington, NC
28402
Phone: 910.362.0903
E-mail: Info@EARRS.org
Web:
www.EARRS.org
Copyright© Eastern Area Radio Reading Service. |
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