Checks were handed out on Friday to 26 local non-profit organizations. The money came from funds raised during "Frederick 48," a two-day effort last month to collect donations to help those organizations which work with the less fortunate in the community.

During the September 27th through the 28th campaign, "Frederick 48" raised a total of $304,000 for local non-profits. "It’s really a small amount compared the total that is needed for each of these non-profits," says Rev. Jonathan Switzer, the Pastor of Crossroads Valley Church and an organizer of the event.

Some of the non-profits receiving checks on Friday were Advocates for the Homeless, Alzheimer’s Association, the ARC of Frederick County, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs of Frederick County, Centro Hispano, the Frederick Rescue Mission, the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs, Interfaith Housing Alliance, Habitat for Humanity and the Frederick Community Action Agency.

During the campaign, citizens who received a $100 rebate checks from the county were encouraged to give some or all of it to "Frederick 48." Apparently, a number of them did. "I do know personally quite a few people did that," says Rev. Switzer.

The Patty Pollatos Fund, Inc. accepted all online donations, and served as the fiscal agent. Organizers say 100% of all donations went to the designated non-profits. Other donations were sent directly to individual organizations. All contributions are tax deductible.

Rev. Switzer hopes to have "Frederick 48" next year. "I’m very excited about it. I’m proud of Frederick for what they did. I’m really confident that we can take it to the next level and do even better next year," he says.