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 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, each week day, and then repeats twice again later in the day.
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 memorial contribution 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
National Sites
Lighthouse, Inc.(Low vision Products)
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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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