ROCKINGHAM — The United Way of Richmond County kicks off its annual campaign Friday, September 22 with its “Day of Caring,” bringing volunteers from all corners of the county together to work on nine community projects.
Michelle Parrish, United Way of Richmond County Executive Director, said it’s the organization’s eighth annual “Day of Caring,” and its 51st campaign kickoff.
The event will begin around 7:30 a.m. at the Richmond Community College’s Cole Auditorium, where 17 partnering agencies will set up and share their program of work with the community. United Way has added a new partnering agency this year in Pee Dee Pregnancy Resource Center.
The United Way of Richmond County continues to partner with: Backpack Pals, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Leak Street Alumni, Richmond County 4-H Club, Sandhills Children Center, Special Needs Kids (formerly Cordova School), Richmond County Aging Services, Samaritan Colony, Habitat for Humanity of the North Carolina Sandhills, Richmond County Literacy Council, American Red Cross, New Horizon’s Life and Family Services, Our Daily Bread, Richmond County Rescue Squad and the Salvation Army.
In 2016, United Way’s partnering agencies provided 8,995 individuals services and served them 159,499 times. So far, in 2017, it has served 8,182 individuals and served them 104,571 times.
Parrish and the United Way Board of Directors will reveal the 2017-2018 campaign goal at 9 a.m. before offering closing remarks. Last year, the campaign raised over $325,000.
“We have about 140 volunteers that signed up to participate with our “Day of Caring” event this year,” Parrish said. “We look forward to giving back and helping our agencies with projects. Most of these volunteers have been participating for several years and some have assisted all eight years.
“This year, volunteers participating with the “Day of Caring” will fan out across the county to work on projects,” Parrish continued. “Some will be at Samaritan Colony, Sandhills Children Center, Backpack Pals, Our Daily Bread, two Habitat for Humanity sites, installing smoke detectors with the American Red Cross, East Rockingham Senior Center, Hamlet Senior Center and Ellerbe Senior Center.”
Last year 172 participants volunteered 624 total hours and saved local agencies $14,707.68. Anyone that would like to volunteer is welcome to participate, and can contact Michelle Parrish at (910) 997-2173 or (910) 206-2909.
