Monday, September 19,2011 — United Way of Stanly County launched its 2011-2012 campaign with a luncheon Tuesday at Stanly Regional Medical Center.

This year’s campaign goal has been set at $340,000, a figure which is easily attainable, according to Campaign Chair Melissa Eudy.

“If every person in Stanly County gave $10, we would not only meet that goal, we would surpass it,” Eudy said.

United Way Executive Director Christy Bogle applauded the community for pulling together to support the member agencies of United Way through volunteering and financial donations.

“I’ve witnessed our community step up time and time again,” Bogle said.

Bogle, who has observed the generous spirit of the community, has also seen great need in Stanly County.  The answer to solving issues in the community, Bogle said, lies within everyone.

 “You are the answer, we are the answer — and so we’re here today to celebrate. Today is a celebration. We’re here to celebrate the hope and power you give to us, you give to your neighbors. When you support United Way you change lives,” Bogle said.

Speakers from three of United Way’s member agencies, Mental Health Advocates (MHA), Community Care Clinic and Stanly County Habitat for Humanity, explained how their lives were changed because of the support of their respective agencies.

Sharon Williams, a consumer of MHA’s Psycho-Social Recovery Clubhouse Outreach Program, thanked Linda Hoy, executive director, for all she does in support of the organization.

“Linda is our volunteer person who comes to our clubhouse at least four times a month to help us with Bingo, crafts and simple cooking,” Williams said.

She also thanked Hoy for taking clubhouse members bowling, for helping her receive medications when she could not afford them, for helping clubhouse members become more involved in the community and for giving members gifts for their birthdays and Christmas.

“There are some of us that wouldn’t receive any gifts at all if it wasn’t for Linda,” Williams said.

Michael Horton shared his story about how the John P. Murray Community Care Clinic has helped him get back onto his feet after an accident drastically altered his life.

“My life was set at 45. I had a good job, I was going to retire from there, I was living in a good community and everything was pretty happy,” Horton said.

Horton lost everything after a van backed into a lift he was in while changing light bulbs as a side job. His injuries left him unable to work and insurance only paid $30 per week because he was working on the side.

“I went from a gated community to homeless,” Horton said.

With very little money and nowhere to go, Horton stopped taking his medications for diabetes. At the suggestion of his son, he went to the Community Care Clinic for help and was able to receive medicine for high blood pressure and insulin.

Brooke Garcia, her husband, and two daughters, were living in her great-grandfather’s one-bedroom home. When her mother suggested she contact Habitat for Humanity, Garcia’s first reaction was that she didn’t want to take from anybody else who was in need.

“I had the misconception, like most people do, that it’s just something you get,” Garcia said.

After a little more research, Garcia found out that Habitat homeowners pay a mortgage like everyone else.

“We came to realize it’s not a handout,” Garcia said.

Garcia and her family moved into their home in 2006, becoming Stanly County Habitat for Humanity’s 28th homeowner.

“We have got a beautiful home now. A beautiful home that we can raise our little girls in, that they can be proud of,” Garcia said.

“We lived in a house before. We live in a home now.”

Campaign Co-Chair Steve Cumming recognized Uwharrie Capital as the 2011-2012 Pacesetter.

Uwharrie Capital’s Kim Long presented a check to United Way for $43,751.12.

Money raised during the campaign will support 14 member agencies: American Red Cross, Stanly County Chapter; Community Care Clinic; Crisis Assistance Fund; GHA, Inc.; Girl Scouts, Hornet’s Nest Council; Homes of Hope; Mental Health Advocates; Monarch; O.A.S.I.S.; Rescue Unit of Stanly County; Stanly County 4-H Clubs; Stanly County Family YMCA; Stanly County Habitat for Humanity; and Stanly County Senior Services Department.



To submit story ideas, contact Erica Benjamin at (704) 982-2121 ext. 34 or erica@stanlynewspress.com.