As part of the annual football rivalry between the Lafayette Commodores and Oxford Chargers, the United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County (UWOLC) has once again teamed up with Lafayette County School District and Oxford School District for the Crosstown Classic United Way Challenge.

With a 7:00 p.m. kickoff time on Friday, the Oxford Chargers and Lafayette Commodores will compete on the gridiron for Crosstown Classic bragging rights at William L. Buford Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. The rivalry is not limited to the field, though, as supporters of both schools compete to see who can raise the most money for the Lafayette-Oxford-University (LOU) community. Each district has a unique online donation page and text- to-donate code that enables supporters’ donations to count towards their total.

Supporters of the Lafayette Commodores can donate online at unitedwayoxfordms.org/dores. In addition, Commodore fans can text “DORES” to 40403 and then click on the link they will receive prompting them to complete their charitable contribution.

Supporters of the Oxford Chargers can donate online at unitedwayoxfordms.org/chargers. In addition, Charger fans can text “CHARGERS” to 40403 and then click on the link they will receive prompting them to complete their charitable contribution.

A donation must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, in order for the contribution to count towards this year’s challenge. If someone prefers to give by cash or check, he or she can deliver the contribution at the UWOLC office, which is located in Suite 5 of the Baker Building at 440 N. Lamar Blvd. A trophy presentation will be held following the close of the competition.

The UWOLC partners with both school districts through employee giving campaigns and other collaborative initiatives. However, the annual fundraising competition offers a unique way for everyone to join together with a share goal of helping local residents.

“The Crosstown Classic United Way Challenge provides a perfect opportunity to partner with our friends at Oxford School District and Lafayette County School District to produce positive outcomes throughout the LOU community,” said UWOLC Executive Director Kurt Brummett. “Whether someone donates in support of the Chargers or Commodores, every dollar makes a
difference and no contribution is small to make a significant impact, especially to the person or family who ultimately benefits.”

Oxford currently leads the series over Lafayette 3-2 after winning last year’s Crosstown Classic United Way Challenge. The rivalry will be fierce again this year as both districts seek to bring home the trophy and earn bragging rights.

The funds raised through the competition will help the UWOLC continue to improve health, advance education, promote financial stability, and meet basic needs within the LOU community as it has done for more than 50 years. To learn more about the organization’s funded programs and community impact work, visit unitedwayoxfordms.org/programs.