More than 300 volunteers donated their time and talents to support nonprofit agencies across Richmond County during the 15th Annual Days of Caring.
Volunteers painted, planted a garden, read to children, stocked shelves, cleaned, delivered meals, assisted with building two homes, packed backpacks, and more.
Michelle Parrish, executive director of United Way of Richmond County, expressed her gratitude for the volunteers’ hard work and dedication.
“This year we saw a significant increase in volunteers, including a few new businesses participating for the first time. We also extended our Days of Caring to three days again this year, beginning Thursday and wrapping up Saturday afternoon,” Parrish shared. “Many of these volunteers have been with us for years, some since we started 15 years ago. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
In total, 304 volunteers contributed 917 hours of service, creating a cost savings of $30,710.33 for United Way’s partner agencies.
“I am extremely grateful to the businesses that allowed their employees to participate, and to all the community members who gave of themselves to assist,” Parrish said. “We’re already looking forward to our ‘Day of Caring’ in 2025.”
2024 United Way Campaign: Aiming for $250,000
As the Days of Caring wrap up, the United Way of Richmond County is kicking off its 2024 Campaign. The Board of Directors has set an ambitious goal of $250,000. Workplace campaigns will be a key part of this effort, allowing employees to give back to the community while fostering team spirit and raising awareness of local needs.
Funds raised stay within Richmond County unless otherwise directed by the donor, supporting local programs that address a wide range of community needs.
United Way Partner Agencies include the American Red Cross, Back Pack Pals, Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills, Leak Street Alumni, New Horizons Life and Family Services, Our Daily Bread, Pee Dee Pregnancy Resource Center, Richmond County 4-H, Richmond County Rescue Squad, Richmond County Schools Exceptional Children, Salvation Army, Samaritan Colony, and Sandhills Children’s Center.
These agencies work to nurture children and youth, strengthen families, meet critical needs, and empower communities. In 2023, they provided 14,194 individual services, serving people 79,829 times. So far in 2024, they’ve assisted 6,895 individuals with 71,906 services.
“We continue to see the shift in requests this year, with food resources becoming the most requested need since 2022,” Parrish said. “Utilities and rent are still high, but the demand for food has surged.”
For more information about United Way of Richmond County or to donate, visit www.unitedwayrichmondnc.net or mail your support to PO Box 153, Rockingham, NC 28380. You can also contact Michelle Parrish at 910-997-2173.
