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

With a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday, the Oxford Chargers and Lafayette Commodores will compete on the gridiron for Crosstown Classic bragging rights at Bobby Holcomb Field in Oxford.

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 community. Each district has a unique online donation page and text-to-donate code that enables supporters’ donations to count towards their total.

Lafayette Commodore supporters can donate online at uwoxfordms.org/dores or text DORES to 40403 and then click on the link they receive prompting them to complete their charitable contribution.

Oxford Charger supporters can donate online at uwoxfordms.org/chargers or text CHARGERS to 40403 and then click on the link they receive prompting them to complete their charitable contribution.

Supporters of both districts can also donate through Venmo at venmo.com/uwoxfordms and noting DORES or CHARGERS in their payment note. If someone prefers to give by cash or check, he or she can deliver the contribution to the UWOLC office, which is located in Suite 5 of the Baker Building at 440 N. Lamar Blvd.

Donations must be received by 11:59 p.m. on  Sept. 4, to count towards this year’s challenge. A trophy presentation will be held after the competition closes.

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 incredible friends at Oxford School District and Lafayette County School District to produce positive outcomes throughout the LOU community,” UWOLC Executive Director Kurt Brummett said. “Whether someone gives to help support the Chargers or Commodores, every donation makes a meaningful difference and no contribution is too small to make a significant impact, especially to the person or family who ultimately benefits.”

Oxford currently leads the series over Lafayette 5-3 after the Chargers won 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. The organization funds The Leap Frog Program, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi, LOU Reads Coalition, Lovepacks, and several other initiatives that support students and families from both school districts.

To learn more about the organization’s funded programs and community impact work, visit uwoxfordms.org/programs.