WICC 600 took its regular programming off the air Thursday and replaced it with a benefit for an important local cause.

Starting at 6 a.m. Thursday, the popular radio station hosted a 13-hour radiothon to benefit the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. It is the eighth year the station has put on the benefit.

Throughout the day, staff members gave listeners information about their work and why it is important.

The nonprofit feeds the hungry and provides shelter to the homeless and recovery services to those struggling with substance abuse.

Some who have benefited from the group shared their stories on-air.

Audrey Sharpe became addicted to opiates after a fall at work. She later became addicted to heroin.

"I was extremely hopeless, extremely depressed, no support system, so I thought everything I had ever had in my whole entire life was now gone," says Sharpe.

When Sharpe found Bridgeport Rescue Mission, she says her transformation was profound.

Last year WICC raised $18,000. They hoped to top that this time around.