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Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Way of Stanly County has raised more than half of the $300,000 as part of its Annual Giving Campaign, which began in the fall and will end Jan. 20.

Thanks to support from individuals throughout the community along with several businesses and organizations, such as the City of Albemarle, Stanly County and Uwharrie Bank, the United Way has raised about $168,000, according to Community Impact Coordinator Kelly Misiak, who is also assuming the responsibilities of the executive director on an interim basis following the resignation of Salem Taylor in August. The board of directors is still looking for a full-time executive director.

Though the benchmark total is down compared to years past (the organization typically strives to reach at least $350,000), the organization had to lower expectations as a result of the pandemic. The organization raised about $268,000 last year, much lower than the roughly $365,000 it raised before the pandemic in 2019.

“This is definitely a rebuilding year for us and a lot of the nonprofit groups we work for, and we really need to make our campaign goal this year,” Misiak said.

Services provided by the United Way include emergency services support, emergency shelter, transitional housing, food assistance, crisis financial assistance, bereavement support, transportation, youth leadership programs, prescription assistance, in-home aide support and summer enrichment programs. 

In a given year, usually around 16 to 20 local organizations apply for funding, but this year only 12 applied, though the money requested has been larger than in the past, Misiak said. Grants have ranged from $2,000 to as much as $40,000 in the past, depending on factors such as community need and project impact.

The following organizations have applied for assistance this year: Esther House, Stanly County Family YMCA, American Red Cross, Hospice of Stanly County and the Uwharrie, Homes of Hope, Mary and Martha Center, John P. Murray Community Care Clinic, O.A.S.I.S., Crisis Assistance Fund, Rescue Unit of Stanly County, Stanly County 4-H and Habitat for Humanity.

“Even though we’ve had less nonprofits apply, we’re being asked for more money so we’re really having to put every bit of hustle and determination into the campaign this year to try and fulfill as many funding requests as possible,” she said.

As part of the City of Albemarle’s giving campaign, Mayor Pro Tem Martha Sue Hall, in a video posted on the campaign’s website, said she donates to United Way “because I know that my money is getting and being divided among many organizations to do good within our county.”

While donations often vary and typically range from a few dollars from individuals to tens of thousands from large companies, every bit is appreciated.

“We’re so thankful for every dollar from every donor, whether that’s a corporate donor, or an individual donor or a family or a foundation, every dollar counts when we’re trying to fund the nonprofits here,” Misiak said.

The top three corporate donors so far have been Uwharrie Bank, Michelin and the City of Albemarle.

People wanting to help can visit the link to donate online. Donations can be directed to the Community Impact Grant Fund or they can be designated towards a specific nonprofit.

For companies wanting to start an employee-giving campaign, they can contact Misiak at kmisiak@unitedwaystanly.org.