Bryan Stewart

Richmond County Daily Journal

Richmond County United Way will jump-start their 2009-2010 campaign year on Sept. 10 at 7:30 a.m. with a meeting and kickoff breakfast at Cole Auditorium.

This year’s campaign goal for the United Way is reaching upwards of $275,000 and they have high hopes in exceeding it.

“Hopefully, this is going to be a very busy campaign season,” said Michelle Parrish, director of the United Way. “We’re excited about kicking off this new year.”

The United Way partners with 18 local Richmond County businesses and charity organizations in order to meet their financial goals. The agencies will be available to speak one-on-one with people regarding questions they have about their agency or the United Way.

They also work closely with the Department of Social Services and the Salvation Army with financial assistance. The majority of United Way’s proceeds go towards the community.

“If we do unite, we can help the community,” Parrish said.

The campaign year for United Way begins this month and ends around March. The campaign goals for the rest of the year will be met with fundraisers and special charity events, planned by both the United Way and its partners in the Richmond County area.

Recently, the United Way completed a “Stuff the Bus” event with Wal-Mart and Richmond County Schools in which they collected school supplies for local students. They hope to also hold more fundraisers throughout the year and plans to participate in this year’s gift wrapping fundraiser at Belk.

Following the kickoff, United Way will begin a Day of Caring in Richmond County. The Day of Caring is an annual event in which companies and individuals assist in completing projects that benefit the community. This year’s Day of Caring has a total of eight projects planned, including helping with a new home Habitat for Humanity is erecting, helping at the Roberdel Children’s Center and working with area soup kitchens.

“This is a hand-up, not a hand-out,” Parrish said.

The Richmond County United Way recently moved to a new location at 109 E. Franklin St., Rockingham and can be reached by phone at 997-2173 or by e-mail at michelleparrish@bellsouth.net.