Hamlet FD, United Way awarded $10K grants from Duke Energy Foundation

HAMLET — Two local organizations each received $10,000 grants from the Duke Energy Foundation.

Emily Tucker, district manager of government and community relations presented the checks to the United Way of Richmond County and Hamlet Fire and Rescue during a Key Leader update Monday, Dec. 8 at the Smith Energy Complex south of Hamlet.

Duke Energy Foundation powers the vitality of the communities we serve,” Tucker said. “Our employees live and work in the communities where we operate, and we are committed to giving back through volunteerism and philanthropy.”

Hamlet Fire Chief Trey Goodwin said the department will be using the funding to purchase equipment for the trucks at the future substation on the Amazon Web Services campus, across Airport Road from the Smith facility.

Last month, Amazon announced that it would be partnering with the department for the substation, as well as providing two fire trucks, equipment, uniforms and staffing costs for the first two years.

Pictured, from left: Michelle Parrish, executive director of United Way of Richmond County; Emily Tucker, district manager of government and community relations for Duke Energy; Dallas Buterbaugh, manager of maintenance at Smith Energy Complex.

William R. Toler - Richmond Observer

Michelle Parrish, executive director of the United Way of Richmond County, said her organization would use the grant “to directly support essential services for families in Richmond County.

Specifically, Parrish said the funding will help to:

• Provide food resources through programs like Back Pack Pals and Our Daily Bread, ensuring children and families have reliable access to meals.
• Assist households with utilities through partner agencies such as The Salvation Army, helping families stay safe and stable.
• Support community programs that offer emergency assistance, education, and resources to those in need.

“This grant strengthens our ability to meet the growing needs in our community and continue our mission of improving lives across Richmond County,” Parrish said.

Three additional Richmond County organizations will be awarded grants later this month.

“We’re proud to support organizations like the United Way and Hamlet Fire and Rescue, which both play a critical role in serving Richmond County,” Tucker said. “We share a common goal – making Richmond County a great place to live and work.”

According to Tucker, Richmond County is home to 200 Duke Energy employees or retirees, and is currently the county’s largest property tax payer at $5 million annually.

The company has made nearly $150,000 in charitable donations in the past two years.

Commissioner Jamie Gathings asked about the possibility of Duke providing lighting along Airport Road in East Rockingham.