The United Way has raised about $510,000, or 81 percent of its goal, said Peggy Crutchfield, president of the local United Way.
“That’s slightly ahead of where we were last year,” she said.
Last year, the United Way fell short of its goal. But Crutchfield is optimistic that the United Way would reach it this year, if for no other reason then because it set a more realistic goal. The shortfall last year caused several local groups to receive less funding from the United Way than they expected.
Crutchfield is pleased with the way things have gone so far. Some groups have already turned in strong campaigns. She singled out St. Joseph of the Pines, FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, Sand-hills Community College and the Moore County Schools as strong supporters.
She also said that the Sandhills Children’s Center had 100 percent participation from employees for its campaign.
Pat Russo, superintendent of the Moore County Schools, is the campaign chairman for the United Way. Lois Wistrand recently resigned as board chair to take a job with the Salvation Army. Ranse Stokes took over her position.
Crutchfield also pointed out that Ingersoll-Rand turned in a good campaign and increased the amount of money it raised compared to last year, as did some local non-profit organizations.
The United Way has received strong support from local governments, Crutchfield said. The campaign in Aberdeen had 100 percent participation and Pinehurst came through with one of the strongest campaigns it’s had in several years, she said.
As in years past, Southern Pines raised the most among local governments.
The United Way is also trying to tap some sources that haven’t traditionally contributed. It mailed out letters to members of the Chamber of Commerce asking for contributions.
“Many [Chamber members] have never supported the United Way,” Crutchfield said. “We’re hoping they step forward.”
Moore County residents have gotten behind the United Way’s efforts. Crutchfield said people can see it in the United Way billboard at the corner of Morganton Road and Old U.S. 1 in Southern Pines.
“The community is really coming together,” she said. “When you see the amount raised, that means the community is really coming together.”
The United Way is a nonprofit agency that raises money for charitable organizations. When people donate to the United Way, they can designate which charity they want the funds to go to and whether the funds to stay in the area or not.
The fund-raising period ends Jan. 31.
Several traditionally strong contributors haven’t come in with any funds yet, and Crutchfield is also hopeful for those prospects.
“There are so many things out there that are out of our control,” she said. “We’ve not heard from UPS, and we haven’t got the figures from Progress Energy. … We are optimistic that we’ll meet our goal.”
